[Understanding lateral and vertical gutta-percha condensation technique]

After a brief analysis of the materials and of the various techniques for filling root canals, the authors present the results obtained by a group of 5th year dental students of the Corso di Laurea in Odontoiatria e Protesi Dentaria from their first experiences at filling root canals. The techniques they used, lateral and vertical condensation of gutta-percha, were chosen for their widespread use and for the greater guarantee they offer. The results, which confirmed the expectations, show how lateral condensation is easier to perform by dentists with little experience. The vertical condensation technique, judging from our results, should be used only after a dentist has acquired experience and skill, because in the cases we observed there was a consistent unsatisfactory apical closure.