Limited Ability of Three Commonly Used Thermoplasticized Gutta-Percha Techniques in Filling Oval-shaped Canals

• Published in: Journal of endodontics Vol. 34; no. 11; pp. 1401 - 1405
• Main Authors: De-Deus, Gustavo, DDS, MS, Reis, Claudia, DDS, MS, Beznos, Denise, DDS, de Abranches, Alice Maria Gruetzmacher, DDS, Coutinho-Filho, Tauby, DDS, MS, PhD, Paciornik, Sidney, DsC
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-11-2008
• Subjects: Dental Pulp Cavity - anatomy & histology; Dentistry; Endocrinology & Metabolism; Gutta-Percha; Hot Temperature; Humans; Root Canal Filling Materials; Root Canal Obturation - methods; Statistics, Nonparametric; Filling techniques; oval canals; thermoplasticized gutta-percha
• ISSN: 0099-2399; 1878-3554
• DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2008.08.015

Abstract The present study was designed to compare the percentage of gutta-percha–filled area (PGFA) achieved in oval-shaped canals after filling by 3 thermoplasticized techniques. Eighty-seven oval-shaped root canals were prepared and root-filled as follows: lateral condensation (n = 20), thermomechanical compaction (n = 20), wave of condensation (n = 20), and Thermafil system (n = 20). A cross section of each tooth was made 5 mm from the apex, and the samples were prepared for microscopic analysis. Digital image measurements of the cross-sectioned area of the canal and the gutta-percha were performed, and the PGFA was calculated. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed with the Kruskal-Wallis H test and post hoc Dunn test. Overall, PGFAs were variable among the experimental groups, ranging from 37.1%–98.5%, and the pooled data from all techniques had a general mean of 69.6% ± 18%. Thermafil system, wave of condensation, and thermomechanical compaction produced significantly higher PGFAs than lateral condensation ( P < .05); however, no significant differences among these techniques were detected ( P > .05). Therefore, a limited ability to fill oval-shaped canals was achieved in the 3 thermoplasticized techniques tested.