In root canal therapy, what is the ideal position for root filling?

In root canal therapy, the ideal position for root filling is to end at the dentino-cemental junction. This is critical for ensuring that the root canal is effectively sealed, preventing the ingress of bacteria and allowing for optimal healing of the periapical tissues.

When the root filling terminates at the dentino-cemental junction, it ensures that the filling material is adequately compacted within the preparation, minimizing any potential voids that could harbor bacteria. Furthermore, positioning the fill at this level allows for a sufficient seal without risking the filling material extruding into the periapical tissues, which could result in inflammatory responses or other complications.

Placing the filling at the apex or extending beyond it can lead to overfilling, which may cause unnecessary irritation to the surrounding tissues and potentially lead to a failure in the treatment. The filling ending at the orifices may leave parts of the root canal system inadequately filled, which can lead to reinfection over time. The end point at the dentino-cemental junction strikes a balance between achieving a full seal while minimizing risks associated with overfilling.