An adequately filled root canal radiographically shows what?

An adequately filled root canal radiographically shows what?

• A. Filling length is too long with radiolucent voids
• B. Filling extends beyond the apex
• C. Underfilled short of apex
• D. Filling length is too long with radiolucent voids

Answer: (D)

What matters on a radiograph is where the filling ends and whether there are voids inside the filling. An adequately filled root canal should show a dense, uniform filling that extends from the coronal part of the canal down to near the apex, ending about 0–2 mm from the radiographic apex, with no radiolucent voids along its length. If the fill extends beyond the apex, ends short of the apex, or contains voids within the material, that indicates an inadequate fill. Void-free, appropriately lengthened obturation is essential for a good seal and favorable long-term success.

What matters on a radiograph is where the filling ends and whether there are voids inside the filling. An adequately filled root canal should show a dense, uniform filling that extends from the coronal part of the canal down to near the apex, ending about 0–2 mm from the radiographic apex, with no radiolucent voids along its length.

If the fill extends beyond the apex, ends short of the apex, or contains voids within the material, that indicates an inadequate fill. Void-free, appropriately lengthened obturation is essential for a good seal and favorable long-term success.