Abstract: An endodontic instrument having a shaft with a near end and a removed end. The shaft is comprised of a first material. A head, the head being comprised of a second material is attached to the removed and of the shaft. The shaft is rotated so as to move with the shaft. The head is permanently attached to the shaft. The head is typically shaped to allow for the cutting of dentin or other tooth or pulp material. Applicant also provides a method for manufacturing such an endodontic instrument by including the steps of forming a tooth cutting member such as a head, forming an elongated shaft and permanently attaching the tooth cutting member or head to the shaft.

Abstract: A method of filling a root canal of a tooth includes inserting a plug of filling material into the root canal until a tip of the plug resides substantially at the apical foramen of the root canal and delivering a filling material into a remaining exposed portion of the root canal. An instrument for delivering a plug of filling material into a root canal of a tooth includes a shaft and a head formed integrally with the shaft, wherein the head includes a tip for receiving a plug of filling material. An instrument for delivering filling material into a root canal of a tooth includes a shaft and a working portion formed integrally with the shaft for carrying the filling material.