RESUMO
PURPOSE: The rationale of this in vivo study was to evaluate and compare different obturation techniques for the intracanal conveyance of Endoflas in the primary molars using conventional radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight children (4-9 years old) with total of 45 pulpally infected primary mandibular molars indicated for pulpectomy were categorized into three groups (i) endodontic pluggers, (ii) lentulospirals, and (iii) NaviTips, respectively, for obturation with Endoflas. The level of obturation and the presence of voids were evaluated radiographically, and the obtained data were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: The results showed no significant difference between the three techniques to deliver Endoflas. Motor-driven lentulospirals showed better results (64.4% optimal fillings) compared to the pluggers (62.2%), but NaviTips showed poor results (48.9%) for the level of obturation (P > 0.05). Voids were observed in all the techniques used. Pluggers and lentulospirals showed similar results with greater void-free canals, whereas NaviTip system showed more voids which was statistically not significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Motor-driven lentulospiral and pluggers were almost equally efficient to fill Endoflas to an optimal level, devoid of voids, and both were considered better compared to NaviTip system.
