If an obturation is too short, what complication might arise?

When an obturation (filling of the root canal) is too short, it can leave parts of the canal system unsealed, which creates a pathway for bacteria to enter, potentially leading to an infection. The purpose of obturation is not only to fill the space left by the nerve and pulp tissue but also to prevent any reinfection from occurring in the future. If the filling does not adequately fill the canal to its full extent, it may result in a failure to eliminate existing bacteria or to prevent new bacterial colonization, resulting in possible reinfection of the tooth and surrounding tissues.

This can ultimately lead to complications such as apical periodontitis, which is an inflammation at the tip of the root, and may necessitate further treatment such as retreatment or even extraction of the tooth if the infection continues to spread. In contrast, while fractured files and chronic pain are concerns in endodontic treatment, they directly relate to different procedural complications rather than directly stemming from the length of the obturation. Similarly, decay beneath the restoration would typically arise from other factors such as inadequate sealing of the restoration rather than specifically due to a short obturation.