Summary: Cold lateral compaction of gutta-percha is both experimentally and clinically proven method of root canal obturation. Main disadvantages of this technique (time-consuming, difficult in curved canals, risk of vertical root fracture) are supposed to be overcome by warm gutta-percha techniques. One of them, Thermafil, has been introduced by Johnson (1978). Its original version was largely improved during past 20 years; nowadays Thermafil belongs to a very popular method in the USA. Two years ago, this technique was introduced to Czech dental market, too. However, for many dentists stays Thermafil still a doubtful novelty. Therefore, the aim of this study was to round-off ~lnical evaluation of Thermafil by summarizing the results of ~lnical and experimental studies, published in the past two decades. Clinical aspects of this technique esere compared with lateral compaction.

        Key words: Thermafil - lateral compaction - review