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Mastering 3D Obturation with the Continuous Wave Technique

Mastering 3D Obturation with the Continuous Wave Technique

By: Chanelle Small, DDS

Post Date: 10/7/2026

CE Amount: 1.25

Categories: Endodontics

COURSE OVERVIEW

Achieving a true three-dimensional seal is one of the most technically demanding steps in root canal therapy — and one of the most consequential for long-term treatment success. This webinar gives general dentists a clear, reproducible framework for performing warm vertical obturation using the continuous wave technique, grounded in clinical evidence and real case application.

 

In this lecture, we will walk through the science behind thermoplasticized gutta-percha, the clinical rationale for selecting this technique over cold lateral compaction, and a step-by-step procedural workflow applicable across a range of canal anatomies. Cases are used throughout to illustrate key decision points, common technical errors, and real-time troubleshooting strategies.


Whether you're refining your existing obturation technique or making the transition from lateral condensation, this course delivers the procedural depth and clinical needed to perform warm vertical obturation with greater consistency and confidence.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By attending this webinar, you will learn how to:

  • Compare the clinical indications and limitations of warm vertical obturation using the continuous wave technique versus cold lateral compaction across varying canal morphologies.

  • Demonstrate a systematic, step-by-step workflow for continuous wave obturation — including master cone fit, heat carrier preparation, and backfill sequencing — that supports a predictable three-dimensional seal.

  • Identify common technical errors in warm vertical obturation (including incomplete apical plugs, voids, and sealer misapplication) and apply corrective strategies before, during, and after obturation.

  • Analyze radiographic and clinical indicators of obturation quality to assess treatment outcomes and determine when retreatment may be warranted.

COURSE SPEAKER

Chanelle Small, DDS
Chanelle Small, DDS

Achieving a true three-dimensional seal is one of the most technically demanding steps in root canal therapy — and one of the most consequential for long-term treatment success. This webinar gives general dentists a clear, reproducible framework for performing warm vertical obturation using the continuous wave technique, grounded in clinical evidence and real case application.

 

In this lecture, we will walk through the science behind thermoplasticized gutta-percha, the clinical rationale for selecting this technique over cold lateral compaction, and a step-by-step procedural workflow applicable across a range of canal anatomies. Cases are used throughout to illustrate key decision points, common technical errors, and real-time troubleshooting strategies.


Whether you're refining your existing obturation technique or making the transition from lateral condensation, this course delivers the procedural depth and clinical needed to perform warm vertical obturation with greater consistency and confidence.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is intended for Dental Assistant, Dentist, Hygienist, and Office Manager from novice to advanced.

EDUCATIONAL METHOD

Self Instructional Online CE Course

IMAGE AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT

No images in this presentation have been altered.

SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT

Information shared in this continuing education activity is developed from clinical research and represents the most current information available from evidence-based dentistry.

KNOWN BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS

Information in this continuing education activity is derived from data and information obtained from the reference section.

DISCLOSURE

Dental Learning presentation is made possible through the continued support of Kerr Dental. Chanelle Small, DDS is a consultant and/or speaker for the following companies and/or organizations: Dental Learning, Kerr Dental. Chanelle Small, DDS may receive an honorarium as compensation from the CE Supporter of this presentation and/or from Dental Learning for the time involved in preparing and delivering this online presentation.

Dental Learning is an approved AGD PACE Provider and California State Dental Board Provider of dental continuing education. Dental Learning strives to deliver balanced, objective and clinically relevant information grounded on scientific research. Lecturers who are invited to deliver Dental Learning CE webinars are advised to substantiate their claims with research-supported data and to disclose all commitments to, or relationships with, any commercial entity within the dental industry. In many cases, lecturers are sponsored by a dental manufacturing company, which provides them with support in the form of honorarium and/or dental products and equipment in order to help with clinical presentations. Prior to each live CE webinar, lecturers are made aware of the importance of delivering their presentations without commercial bias, and where appropriate, to mention a variety of different product choices that may be relevant to the subject matter of the lecture, for the educational benefit of the participant.

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