HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the sixth step of root canal treatment?

1. Irrigation and cleansing

2. Obturation

3. Infection control

4. Diagnosis and X-ray analysis

The correct answer is: Obturation

The sixth step of root canal treatment, which is obturation, involves filling the cleaned and shaped root canal space to prevent re-infection. During this step, a material known as gutta-percha is typically used, along with a sealer, to effectively seal the canal. This process is crucial because it not only closes off any entry points for bacteria but also provides stability to the tooth structure after the cleaning and shaping phase. Obturating the canal helps to ensure the longevity of the tooth after treatment by isolating it from the surrounding tissues and any potential sources of infection. In contrast, other steps like irrigation and cleansing, infection control, and diagnosis and X-ray analysis are all important components of the root canal procedure but occur prior to obturation. For instance, irrigation and cleansing prepare the canal for obturation by removing debris and disinfecting the area, while the earlier steps focus on diagnosing the issue and managing infection before the final sealing of the canal takes place.