Obturacja

Obturacja is a term in Polish that denotes the act or result of closing an opening or passage, effectively blocking it or filling it to prevent flow. Etymology: from Latin obturatio, from obturare meaning to stop up. The concept is used in various medical and dental contexts to describe either occlusion (blockage) or the sealing of a canal or duct.

In dentistry, obturation refers to the final filling of a cleaned and shaped root canal. The goal is a hermetic seal that prevents reinfection of the canal space. Materials commonly used include gutta-percha as the filler and a sealer (for example zinc oxide–eugenol, epoxy resin, or calcium silicate-based sealers). Techniques include lateral condensation and warm vertical compaction. The quality of obturation is typically assessed radiographically to confirm a complete fill with no voids along the canal.

In general medicine, obturacja describes occlusion or blockage of a tubular structure, such as a blood vessel, intestine, or duct. Causes include thrombosis, embolism, atherosclerosis, stones, or external compression. Consequences depend on the structure involved and can range from reduced function to tissue ischemia or infarction. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and, when appropriate, restoring patency or sealing the structure.

Obturacja is used across specialties to indicate interrupted or sealed flow through a canal or passage. In Polish medical terminology it is common in dentistry (obturation of the root canal) and in discussions of vascular or ductal occlusion, with synonyms such as zatamowanie (occlusion) and obturation as a technical term.