title: In vitro radiographic representation of the extent of voids within obturated root canals.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine whether radiographs provide an accurate representation of the degree of root canal obturation following a cold lateral condensation technique. A total of 40 extracted single-rooted lower premolar teeth were prepared using either a standardized step-back technique or an ultrasonic device by one of two operators. The four groups each of 10 teeth were obturated using lateral condensation by a third operator. To assess apical leakage the obturated teeth were coated with nail varnish to within 2 mm of the apex and immersed in methylene blue for 48 h. The teeth were then radiographed in bucco-lingual and mesio-distal planes prior to subsequent sectioning in a bucco-lingual plane. Sections and radiographs were analysed using an image analysis apparatus to determine the proportion of root canal occupied by gutta-percha, void and/or sealer. Mean percentages of void calculated from the bucco-lingual radiographs, mesiodistal radiographs and tooth sections were 4.14%, 5.98% and 4.98%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the radiographic views and the tooth sections (P > 0.05). Both planes of radiograph accurately represented the proportion of void when compared with the tooth section.
authors.affiliation: Division of Restorative Dentistry, Leeds Dental Institute, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Youngson
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Nattress
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manogue
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Speirs
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D006801:Humans; D016062:Porosity; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D017211:Treatment Failure
chemical_list: D006171:Gutta-Percha