I industry report _ obturation Fig. 4a Fig. 4b the apical terminus (Fig. 2c). The tip is rotated rapidly 180 degrees clockwise/counterclockwise two or three times and heated for two to four seconds; at this time, the tip is removed quickly along with any excess gutta-percha (Fig. 2d). Any remaining voids can be sealed coronally with additional accessory cones by applying vertical compaction as described above. Although radiographs are only 2-D, the clinical cases depicted in Figures 3 and 4 provide an indication of the clinical effectiveness of obturating canals using the DownPak. Fig. 4c Fig. 4d _Summary The literature and this article have documented the benefits to patients when clinicians employ plasticised gutta-percha and vertical compaction combined with vibration. The advent of cordless devices like the DownPak makes it easier for the clinician to provide a 3-D obturation more effectively._ Editorial note: A complete list of references is available from the publisher. Fig. 4a_Pre-op radiograph of mandibular left first molar. Fig. 4b_Working length radiograph depicting four canals, each with a separate apical terminus. Fig. 4c_Immediately after obturation. Fig. 4d_Six months post-endodontic treatment: note favourable peri-radicular bone healing. _about the authors roots Dr Stephen Cohen is the senior editor of all nine editions of Pathways of the Pulp. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and has held leadership positions in many of the major professional and academic organisations in endodontics. Dr Cohen is Adjunct Professor of Endodontics in the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco and Professor of Endodontics in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. He also serves on the advisory board of Hu-Friedy Co. Dr Cohen can be contacted at scohen@unionsquareendo.com. Dr Louis H. Berman is a former clinical instructor and guest lecturer at the Albert Einstein Medical Center and former Assistant Professor of Endodontics at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He is past president (1999–2000) of the Maryland State Association of Endodontists and a member of the Journal of Endodontics Scientific Advisory Panel. Dr Berman is the senior author for the chapter on diagnosis in the ninth edition of Pathways of the Pulp. He is also the senior editor and contributing author of the comprehensive textbook A Clinical Guide to Dental Traumatology, published by Mosby in 2006.A board-certified endodontist, he has been in full-time private practice in Annapolis in Maryland for the past 25 years. Dr Berman can be contacted at Berman@AnnapolisEndodontics.com. Dr Gabriela Martin is Professor of Endodontics at the School of Dentistry at the National University of Cordoba in Argentina. She obtained her Certification in Endodontics in 2000 through the Argentine Society of Endodontics and is an active member of the Argentine Association of Dentistry. She is a voter member of the Association of Endodontics of Cordoba,Argentina and teaches hands-on courses at the Dentistry Association of Cordoba. Her dentistry work is focused on endodontics, and she has been in private practice in Cordoba since 1992. Dr Martin can be contacted at ggmartin@hotmail.com. 40 I roots 4_ 2009