Percentage of Gutta-Percha-, Sealer-, and Void-Filled Areas in Oval-Shaped Root Canals Obturated with Different Filling Techniques: A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared different obturation techniques, analyzing percentage of areas filled with gutta-percha, sealer, and voids (PGFA, PSFA, and PVFA, respectively) in oval-shaped root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 extracted human mandibular central incisors were decoronated, instrumented, and irrigated using the same protocol. After drying, the root canal was filled with AH Plus labeled with 0.1% rhodamine B dye using a Lentulo spiral. The filling procedure was performed by dividing the teeth into four groups according to the respective technique: G1, cold lateral condensation; G2, continuous wave of condensation; G3, modified cold lateral condensation using an F3 master cone; and G4, modified continuous wave of condensation using an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) sized 30 gutta-percha cone. Then, slices measuring 1.5 mm in thickness were obtained 3 and 6 mm from the apex and evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy to determine PGFA, PSFA, and PVFA. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were analyzed statistically with analysis of variance and Games-Howell's tests (p = 0.05). RESULTS: The groups showed no significant differences in the apical third (3 mm from the apex). In the middle third (6 mm from the apex), G3 and G1 showed higher PGFA and PVFA, respectively. G3 showed lower PSFA than G2 and G4. Both cold techniques (G1 and G3) promoted lower PSFA than both warm techniques (G2 and G4). CONCLUSIONS: Notwithstanding the limitations of this in vitro study, PGFA, PSFA, and PVFA ranged significantly only in the middle third, as observed by the different filling techniques. Higher PGFA and PVFA values were obtained for G3 and G1, respectively. Both cold techniques promoted lower PSFA than both warm techniques.

Influence of gutta-percha cone disinfection on leakage: comparison of two sealability assessment methodologies

Aim: To clarify the influence of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite disinfection of gutta-percha cones onleakage and to compare the outcomes of two sealability assessment methodologies (fluid filtrationand dye penetration methods). Methods: Thirty teeth were prepared and filled using the guttaperchalateral condensation technique. Group I was filled with gutta-percha cones disinfectedwith sodium hypochlorite 5.25%, while Group II was filled with cones that were not disinfected.Apical leakage was measured using: (a) fluid filtration technique and (b) linear measurement ofdye penetration after clearance. Results: The Student’s t-test showed no significant differencebetween the groups for both techniques (p<0.05). Conclusions: Both methodologies employed,even with the inherent limitations, were capable of identifying sealing failures. The disinfection ofgutta-percha cones with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite did not alter apical leakage.

Effect of calcium hydroxide dressing on the long-term sealing ability of two different endodontic sealers: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the long-term sealing ability of Real Seal system and Endofill after calcium hydroxide (CH) dressing, by using a fluid filtration model. STUDY DESIGN: Four randomized groups of single-rooted teeth (N=110) were prepared using a crown-down technique to a size 50 file. Two groups (1 and 2) received CH dressing before filling. Roots were filled with gutta-percha and Endofill (groups 2 and 4) or Resilon and Real Seal (groups 1 and 3). Leakage was measured by using the fluid filtration method after 90 days and determined as microL/min.10 psi. RESULTS: Statistical analysis by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests indicated that CH dressing groups showed higher leakage values than those where CH was not used (P=.001). CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that the use of CH as an intracanal dressing material affected the sealing ability of both Real Seal and Endofill sealers.

Comparative analysis of leakage in root canal fillings performed with gutta-percha and Resilon cones with AH Plus and Epiphany sealers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the leakage of root canal fillings of gutta-percha or Resilon cones in association with AH Plus or Epiphany sealer. STUDY DESIGN: Four groups of premolars (n = 64) were instrumented to size 45/.04 ProFile and filled with laterally compacted gutta-percha cones or Resilon cones in association with AH Plus or Epiphany sealer. The specimens were stored for 2 weeks at 37 degrees C and 100% humidity. After that, leakage was measured using the fluid filtration method and determined as microL/min.10 psi. RESULTS: Homogeneity of variance and multiple comparisons tests were performed and indicated that root fillings with the combination of gutta-percha cones and AH Plus sealer showed lower leakage values (P < .05) than the other groups. CONCLUSION: Considering the experimental conditions and the results obtained, it was concluded that fillings made with gutta-percha cones in combination with AH Plus sealer had the best performance.

Combined endodontic therapy and surgery in the treatment of dens invaginatus Type 3: case report.

An accurate understanding of the morphology of the root canal system is a prerequisite for successful root canal treatment. Invaginated teeth have a complex root canal configuration that cannot be instrumented effectively and should be treated by both endodontic therapy and surgery. A case of dens invaginatus Type 3 in a maxillary lateral incisor with a periapical lesion and its successful treatment by these combined methods is reported.