ABSTRACT
Aim: The objective of this in vitro micro-computed tomography investigation is to assess the efficacy of the ProTaper Universal Retreatment System in retreating oval-shaped root canals filled with three obturation procedures. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six lower incisors with a single oval root canal were prepared using XP-Endo Shaper up to size 30/0.04, and allocated into three equal groups based on the filling technique: Group 1: Warm vertical condensation technique; Group 2: GuttaCore obturators; Group 3: Cold lateral condensation technique. All samples were further retreated using the ProTaper Universal Retreatment system. Micro-CT analysis was performed before and after the retreatment procedure. Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level of 0.05. Data analysis was conducted using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Kruskal-Wallis H tests. Results: The best performance of the files was achieved when the removal of the filling in the entire canal was considered. However, this outcome was not statistically significant when compared with the other observed root canal levels. The retreatment procedure could not ensure thorough cleanliness of the canal walls from filling remnants, regardless of the obturation technique and observational level. Conclusions: The ProTaper Universal Retreatment system used for the removal of gutta-percha and sealer in oval-shaped root canals demonstrated equal effectiveness, regardless of the obturation technique used.
