Single-Cone Technique
An obturation method in which a single gutta-percha or polymer cone is selected to match the prepared canal taper and placed with a sealer to fill the root canal system.
Full Definition
The single-cone technique relies on a matched-taper gutta-percha cone (corresponding to the final instrument size and taper) and a flowable sealer—most commonly a bioceramic or resin-based sealer—to achieve obturation without lateral or vertical compaction. Its adoption has grown alongside bioceramic sealers, which compensate for the absence of compaction through hydraulic filling of voids and lateral canals. The term should always be hyphenated: 'single-cone technique', not 'single cone technique'. Editors should note it as distinct from lateral compaction and warm vertical compaction techniques, which use multiple accessory cones or thermoplastic condensation.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate 'single-cone' as a compound modifier. Distinguish from lateral compaction, which uses multiple cones.
In Context
- "Single-cone technique was used in conjunction with a bioceramic sealer for final obturation." — Operative report
- "The hyphen in 'single-cone technique' is mandatory when the compound modifier precedes 'technique'." — Style guide annotation