National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What does the term "obturation" refer to in root canal therapy?

1. Removal of infected pulp

2. Filling up the canals during the procedure

3. Preparation of the tooth for a crown

4. Application of a protective layer on the tooth

The correct answer is: Filling up the canals during the procedure

Obturation in root canal therapy specifically refers to the process of filling the cleaned and shaped root canals with a material that seals them to prevent contamination and reinfection. After the infected pulp has been removed, the canals must be prepared to ensure they are clean and properly shaped to receive the filling material. This filling is crucial to restore the tooth's functionality and health after the infection has been addressed. The obturation process typically involves using materials such as gutta-percha, which is biocompatible and provides a tight seal within the canals. This step is vital for the long-term success of the root canal treatment, ensuring that bacteria cannot re-enter and that the tooth remains asymptomatic and functional. The other options describe different aspects of dental procedures but do not pertain to the specific definition of obturation. For instance, the removal of infected pulp refers to the initial step in root canal therapy rather than the sealing aspect. The preparation of a tooth for a crown involves altering the tooth structure to accommodate a prosthetic device, which is unrelated to the obturation process. Similarly, applying a protective layer on the tooth may pertain to other dental treatments but does not define obturation.