Comparison of the percentage of gutta-percha-filled area obtained by Thermafil and System B.
The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of gutta-percha-filled area (GPFA) obtained by Thermafil and System B techniques using light microscopy and digital image processing. Forty-five human mandibular first molars were prepared and obturated as follows: Group 1: lateral condensation (n = 15); Group 2: System B (n = 15); and Group 3: Thermafil system (n = 15). Horizontal sections were cut 4 and 6 mm from the apical foramen of each tooth. The samples were metallographically prepared and taken through photomicrographs. Using digital analysis, the cross-sectional area of the canal and the gutta-percha areas were measured. The GPFA data obtained for the three groups were analysed using the non-parametric Friedman and Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks tests. Significant differences were found between Group 3 and Group 2-Group 1. No significant difference was found between Group 2 and Group 1. The Thermafil system produced significantly higher GPFAs than lateral condensation and System B techniques (P < 0.01). This result suggests that the Thermafil system can reduce sealer and voids.
De-Deus
G
G
Department of Endodontics, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. endogus@gmail.com
Maniglia-Ferreira
C M
CM
Gurgel-Filho
E D
ED
Paciornik
S
S
Machado
A C R
AC
Coutinho-Filho
T
T
D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006171:Gutta-Percha / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008963:Molar; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods; D013499:Surface Properties; D013997:Time Factors; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement / Q000737:chemistry
D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement; C045432:Grossman's sealer; C074417:Endo-Fill; D006171:Gutta-Percha