Evaluation of root canal obturation: a three-dimensional in vitro study

J Endod. 2009 Apr;35(4):541-4. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2008.12.021. Epub 2009 Feb 26.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to measure percentage of volume of voids and gaps in root canals obturated with different obturation materials by using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Forty-eight single-rooted teeth were collected and decoronated, and root canals were prepared by using rotary files. The roots were randomly allocated into 4 groups, and each group was obturated by using cold lateral compaction with a different material (gutta-percha and TubliSeal sealer, EndoRez points and EndoRez sealer, RealSeal points and RealSeal sealer, and a gutta-percha point and GuttaFlow sealer). Roots were scanned with micro-CT, and volume measurements for voids and gaps in the obturated roots were carried out by using specialized CT software. Percentage of gaps and voids was calculated. Statistical analysis showed that gutta-percha exhibited an overall significantly lower percentage (1.02%) of voids and gaps. The present study showed that none of the root canal filled teeth were gap-free. Roots filled with gutta-percha showed less voids and gaps than roots filled with the remaining filling materials.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Composite Resins
  • Dental Leakage / prevention & control
  • Dental Pulp Cavity / diagnostic imaging
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • Drug Combinations
  • Gutta-Percha
  • Humans
  • Materials Testing
  • Porosity
  • Root Canal Filling Materials*
  • Root Canal Obturation / methods*
  • X-Ray Microtomography

Substances

  • Composite Resins
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • Drug Combinations
  • EndoRez
  • GuttaFlow
  • Real Seal composite resin
  • Root Canal Filling Materials
  • Gutta-Percha