Apical limit of root canal instrumentation and obturation, part 2. A histological study.

The results of an in vivo histological study involving apical and periapical tissues following root canal therapy after different observation periods demonstrated the most favourable histological conditions when the instrumentation and obturation remained at or short of the apical constriction. This was the case in the presence of vital or necrotic pulps, also when bacteria had penetrated the foramen and were present in the periapical tissues. When the sealer and/or the gutta-percha was extruded into the periapical tissue, the lateral canals and the apical ramifications, there was always a severe inflammatory reaction including a foreign body reaction despite a clinical absence of pain.