Evaluation of sealing properties of 70 degrees C thermoplasticized gutta-percha used as a retrograde root filling.
The efficacy of low temperature (70 degrees C) thermoplasticized gutta-percha used to seal root canals by the retrograde approach following apicectomy was assessed. A dye leakage technique was used, and gutta-percha was compared with amalgam. Two groups of different sized roots were apicected, and their root canals instrumented and filled conventionally with laterally condensed gutta-percha. Each group was randomly divided into four sub-groups; one was the control group in which no further treatment was carried out. In the other three groups the apical 3 mm of gutta-percha was removed, and the apical cavities filled as follows: group I with 70 degrees C thermoplasticized gutta-percha with sealer; group II with 70 degrees C thermoplasticized gutta-percha without sealer; group III with amalgam. The roots were rendered transparent by acid demineralization, and maximum dye penetration was measured. The results showed statistically significant ranking of leakage between the four sub-groups: 70 degrees C thermoplasticized gutta-percha with sealer less than 70 degrees C thermoplasticized gutta-percha without sealer less than amalgam less than control. The larger canals in all four sub-groups also exhibited significantly greater leakage than the smaller ones.
Woo
Y R
YR
The Dental School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Wassell
R W
RW
Foreman
P C
PC
D003080:Cold Temperature; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000517:prevention & control; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D006801:Humans; D012184:Retrograde Obturation / Q000379:methods*; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials
D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D006171:Gutta-Percha