Preliminary investigation of a novel endodontic obturator

ABSTRACT

Conventional endodontic treatment requires the removal of the pulp and dentin by shaping the inside of the tooth. The shaping occurs with the use of drills to a geometry that is directly related to a predetermined form of material that will obturate the tooth's interior.The aim of this study was to investigate a novel device that applies sonic energy during the obturation of the tooth's interior. Extracted human teeth underwent endodontic treatment. Half of the group were conventionally obturated and the other half were obturated with the novel device. Post-treatment radiographs were evaluated utilizing Schulich dental school endodontic marking criteria.No statistical significance (α = 0.05) was determined between each group. A higher incidence of filled space (60%) occurred with sonic obturation when compared to conventional obturation (33%). Micro-computer tomography (CT) images were obtained of one sample from each group to assess the three-dimensional obturation. The novel device facilitated easy handling and demonstrated potential for effective obturation. Further tests are required for device refinement, larger sample sizes and clinical validation to assess the attitude and practice of dental professionals towards using of advance Radiographic technique.