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Only when this is achieved can the clinician and patient rest assured that microorganisms will be prevented from re-entering the root canal system, and that any bacteria that may remain within the tooth from nutrients in tissue fluids will stay isolated.

One method that has proved its worth over the years is the Continuous Wave technique of obturation, which was introduced by Steven Buchanan in 1994, as a result of his modifications in instruments and techniques on the original technique of warm vertical condensation.

Steven Buchanan wrote at the time: “The technique differs from warm vertical condensation in that it requires a System B plugger instrument as well as modifications in the method that the condensation is completed. As with any method of obturation its success is completely dependent upon the cleaning and shaping of the root canal system”

The Continuous Wave technique

Since then technology has moved on, allowing the endodontist to use ever more effective tools, such as the Elements and Elements Free obturation systems from Kerr, with which the Continuous Wave technique works as follows: