Comparison of lateral condensation and thermomechanically compacted warm alpha-phase gutta-percha with a single cone for obturating curved root canals.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and compare the sealability and radiographic quality of root fillings in extracted teeth by using lateral condensation of gutta-percha or alpha-phase gutta-percha in conjunction with a single gutta-percha cone.


METHODS
A total of 108 single-rooted teeth were divided into 2 groups of 54 teeth based on canal shape. Canals were prepared to a minimum 0.055 taper and enlarged to a size 35 at the working distance. Irrigation was done with 17% EDTA and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) to remove smear layer. One group was obturated by using cold lateral condensation of gutta-percha; the other group was obturated with thermomechanically compacted alpha-phase gutta-percha and a single cone of gutta-percha. Apical extrusion of sealer or gutta-percha was recorded. Sealability of each technique was assessed by dye penetration. The radiographic quality of obturation was also determined.


RESULTS
Root canals filled with alpha-phase gutta-percha and a single cone had significantly more extrusion of sealer than canals filled by lateral condensation. Lateral condensation achieved significantly better scores for radiographic quality. There was no significant difference between the 2 filling techniques in terms of apical or coronal leakage.


CONCLUSIONS
Thermomechanically condensed alpha-phase gutta-percha used in conjunction with a single gutta-percha cone had poorer radiographic quality than laterally condensed gutta-percha.
Gilhooly
R M
RM
Department of Adult Dental Health, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK.
Hayes
S J
SJ
Bryant
S T
ST
Dummer
P M
PM
D003763:Dental Leakage; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000379:methods*
D006171:Gutta-Percha