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I 45 industry report _ Calamus Dual 3D Obturation System I roots1_2011 re-thermo-soften its most coronal extent (Fig. 11a). This procedural nuance promotes cohesion between each injected segment of warm gutta-percha. The Calamus Flow handpiece is activated, and a short 2 to 3mm segment of warm gutta-percha is dis- pensedintothemostapicalregionoftheemptycanal (Fig. 11b). Injecting or dispensing too much gutta- percha invites shrinkage and/or voids, which result in poorly obturated canals judged radiographically. TheCalamusFlowhandpieceshouldbeheldlightly so it will back-out of the canal when injecting thermo-softened gutta-percha into the canal. The small-sized, pre-fit plugger is used, as previously described, to densely compact warm gutta-percha into this region of the canal. Utilising the plugger in this manner will capture the maximum cushion of rubber, promote successful hydraulics and generate reverse waves of condensation (Fig. 11c). To continue the back-filling technique, a longer 3 to 4mm segment of warm gutta-percha should be dispensed into this more coronal region of the canal (Fig.12a).Theworkingendofthemedium-sized,pre- fit plugger is stepped circumferentially around the preparation to clean the dentinal walls, flatten the dispensed material and deliver warm gutta-percha, laterally and vertically, into this region of the canal. This plugger is used to press against the cooling gutta-percha for five seconds to offset shrinkage during the cooling phase (Fig. 12b). The back-filling technique continues, in the manner described, until the canal has been reverse filled (Fig. 13). Alter- natively, back-filling may be stopped at any level within the canal to accommodate a post to facilitate potential restorative needs. In order to fill furcal canals, the pulp chamber floor of multi-rooted teeth is covered with a thin layer of sealer prior to dispensing gutta-percha. An appropriatelysizedamalgampluggerisusedtocom- pact thermo-softened gutta-percha on the pulpal floor effectively, which in turn, generates desirable hydraulics. Different horizontally angulated post- treatment radiographs may be taken to confirm that the root-canal system has been densely obturated, laterallyandvertically,tothecanalterminus(Fig.14). Frequently, a puff of sealer will be noticed adjacent toaportalofexitandshouldbeconsideredirrelevant to the prognosis of the case. When the prepared apical foramen is relatively round and if the master conehasbeenwellfitted,sealerpuffswillgenerallybe larger laterally and smaller or non-existent apically. Following obturation procedures, gutta-percha and sealerarethoroughlyexcavatedfromthepulpcham- ber utilising a solvent such as xylol or chloroform. A solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol is flushed into the pulp chamber to remove any obturation residues in preparation for the restorative effort. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that flushing out the chamber, as described, will eliminate free eugenol and allow for predictably successful bonding.13 _Conclusion The Calamus Dual 3D Obturation System is inno- vative technology that may be utilised to fill root- canalsystems.Asthehealthoftheattachmentappa- ratus associated with endodontically treated teeth becomes fully understood and completely appreci- ated, the naturally retained root will be recognised as the ultimate dental implant. When properly per- formed, endodontic treatment is the cornerstone of restorative and reconstructive dentistry._ Editorial note: A list of references is available from the publisher. Fig. 14_Complete endodontic treatment provides a predictably successful foundation for perio-prosthetics. Dr Clifford J.Ruddle is Founder and Director ofAdvanced Endodontics,an international educational source,in Santa Barbara,California.He is anAssistant Professor of Graduate Endodontics at Loma Linda University and the University of California,LosAngeles,is anAssociate Clinical Professor at the University of California,San Francisco,and is anAdjunctAssis- tant Professor of Endodontics at the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry.As an inventor,Dr Ruddle has designed and developed several instruments and devices that are widely used internationally.He is well known for providing superb endodontic education through his lectures,clinical articles,training manuals,videos and DVDs.Additionally,he maintains a private practice in Santa Barbara,California.He can be reached on +1 800 753 3636 or through www.endoruddle.com. _about the author roots Fig. 14