Obturation of root canals with impediments

Impediments (obstructions, obstacles) could be of anatomic (Figure 1) or iatrogenic (Figure 2) origin. Obturation of root canals with impediments potentially presents significant challenge for clinician and different approaches are often necessary in order to achieve successful outcome.

If the straight master gutta-percha point won’t fit to length the first choice is to precurve gutta-percha point in an attempt to bypass the impediment. Gutta-percha point should be precurved the same way we precurved hand and rotary instruments during negotiation and shaping procedures (Figure 3). In this retreatment case of tooth #47 (Figure 4) referring dentist could not negotiate the mesial canals. Although negotiation and shaping were challenging the most difficult part of treatment was obturation. Gutta-percha points were precurved and sprayed using endo ice (Figure 5) which allowed successful bypass of impediment (Figure 6). Sometimes cone fit could be time consuming but it is the most predictable way of filling in those cases.

If we can not bypass the impediment with precurved gutta-percha points it is a perfect indication for carrier based obturation. This lower second molar primary treatment case presented significant impediments in both mesial and distal canal systems (Figure 7). After finishing shaping I wasn’t able to fit cones to length so I decided to use thermafil in this specific case. A modified technique was used in order to accelerate apical movement of filling material (Figure 8,9). I did not remove excess sealer before inserting a carrier, like I usually do, and I placed a carrier to length in 1-2 seconds, instead of 4-5 seconds. In that way I was able to push gutta-percha and sealer ahead of the carrier achieving a satisfying result (Figure 10,11).