Methods of filling root canals: principles and practices

Contemporary research points to infection control as the key determinant of endodontic success. While epidemiological surveys indicate that success is most likely in teeth which have been densely root-filled to within 2 mm of root-end, it is unclear whether the root canal filling itself is a key determinant of outcome. It is also unclear how different materials and methods employed in achieving a ‘satisfactory’ root filling may impact on outcome. This article provides an overview of current principles and practices in root canal filling and strives to untangle the limited and often contradictory research of relevance to clinical practice and performance.