Ex-vivo area-metric analysis of root canal obturation using gutta-percha cones of different taper.

AIM: To evaluate the percentage of gutta-percha and sealer-filled canal area when four different types of master gutta-percha cones were used. METHODOLOGY: Sixty mandibular premolars with straight canals were instrumented using System ProTaper rotary instruments with a crown-down technique and assigned to four groups. Canals were obturated with AH-26 sealer either using lateral condensation and 0.02 taper gutta-percha cones (group A), 0.04 taper gutta-percha cones (group B), nonstandardized F- medium (group C) master gutta-percha cones, or a single System ProTaper gutta-percha cone (group D). The percentage of gutta-percha and sealer-filled area was calculated in horizontal sections of the apical portion of each canal, using image analysis software. The data was statistically analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The distribution of filling materials amongst groups was not significantly different at each level of sectioning (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The percentage of gutta-percha and sealer-filled canal area was similar when canals were filled with different master cones using lateral condensation or single cone techniques.

Immunologic evaluation of dental patient with history of hypersensitivity reaction to sodium hypochlorite.

A 12-year-old girl, with a previous history of bronchial reaction and contact dermatitis to sodium hypochlorite, was referred for root canal treatment. Complete immunologic evaluation revealed a mild hypersensitivity condition, as it was assessed by the RAST investigation to different allergens and the DTH reactivity expressed though migration inhibition test. The absence of a serious immunologic disregulation in the patient's immunologic profile justified the term 'non-allergic hypersensitivity' to sodium hypochlorite to describe the condition.