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I 41 industry report _ Calamus Dual 3D Obturation System I roots1_2011 manner in which to use this technology to perform the vertical condensation technique. The clinician is encouraged to read, visualise and learn more about the manner in which to perform each procedural stepthatdirectlyservestoinfluencefillingroot-canal systems; this includes performing the other hybrid warm gutta-percha techniques using Calamus tech- nology.1,5 _Vertical condensation technique The objective of the vertical condensation tech- nique is to carry a wave of warm gutta-percha along the length of the master cone continuously and progressively, starting coronally and ending in apical corkage (Fig. 4). The physical and thermo-molecular properties of gutta-percha are well understood and have been clearly described in a series of ground- breaking articles published decades ago.6–10 The content of these scientific articles provides insight, understanding and reference for the clinical and technical description that follows. While I have previously described the vertical condensation tech- nique,11,12 this article represents the most recent advancesinthemannerinwhichtoperformthewarm gutta-percha with vertical condensation technique. Conefitandpluggerselection Traditionally, a medium-sized non-standardised gutta-percha master cone was selected and apically trimmed to fit snugly into the terminus of the prepared canal. The 6% taper of these master cones, as compared to the 2% taper of standardised gutta- percha, ensured more effective hydraulics during obturation. Today, the selection of the correct master cone has been simplified because of the rediscovery of system-based endodontics. System-based master cones streamline treatment in that they are intended to have an apical diameter the same as and a rate of taper slightly less than the largest manual or mechanically driven file that was carried to the full working length. The master cone is fitted in a fluid-filled canal to simulate more closely the lubrication effect that sealer will provide when sliding the buttered master cone into the prepared canal. Further, the master cone should be able to be inserted to the full working length and exhibit apical tug-back upon removal. Thismasterconecanbeapicallytrimmedandfurther customised with glass slabs or a spatula, utilising eithercoldorheatrollingtechniques.Itissimpletofit a master cone into a patent, smoothly tapered and well-prepared canal. A diagnostic working film should confirm the desired position of the master cone and verify all the previous operative steps. The master cone is typically cut back about 1.0mm from the radiographic terminus so that its most apical end is just short of the apical constriction or the actual position of the physiologic terminus (PT; Figs. 5a & b). Specifically, the final length of any given prepared and finished canal is the reproducible distance from the reference point to the PT. Fortuitously, the position of the most apically instrumented foramen can be consistently located utilising the paper point drying technique.12 Four manual pluggers, utilised to compact heat-softened gutta-percha, provide working end diameters of 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm and 1.3mm (DENTSPLYMaillefer).Generally,alarger-sizedplugger Fig. 4_A post-op film of a maxillary second molar. Note the abrupt apical curvature of the palatal system, recurvature of the DB system and the filled furcal canal. Figs. 5a & b_These animations demonstrate the master cone fitted to length and the master cone apically cut-back based on the paper point drying technique. Fig. 6_The EHP that will loosely fit through the straightaway portion of the canal and optimally to within 5 mm from the full working length is selected. Fig. 5b Fig. 6 Fig. 4 Fig. 5a