Technique acquisition in the use of two thermoplasticized root filling methods by inexperienced dental students: a microcomputed tomography analysis.
BACKGROUND
Limited endodontic experiences in dental schools suggest the need for easy-to-learn techniques. Therefore, two simplified root filling methods were assessed for adequacy and expediency when performed by inexperienced students.


METHODS
Eight students were trained (45-minute lecture and 90-minute practice) in use of ProTaper Obturators (PTO) and System-B/Calamus (SBC). They subsequently filled the root canals in two extracted, single-rooted teeth per method (n = 32). Canals were preshaped and prefitted with obturators and master cones. The volume of root-filling voids determined by microcomputed tomography imaging in 1-mm increments, time to complete fillings, and students' responses in questionnaires were analyzed (independent-sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test).


RESULTS
PTO had a significantly smaller void volume in the apical 6 mm of canals (P < 0.001), required significantly shorter time (P < 0.001), and was perceived as easier to learn and use but less likely to be favored after graduation than SBC.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggested that the PTO root filling method was particularly suitable for teaching when endodontic experiences available for students are limited.
Discipline of Endodontics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Mana
M
Mirfendereski
Karina
K
Roth
Bing
B
Fan
Adam
A
Dubrowski
Heather
H
Carnahan
Amir
A
Azarpazhooh
Bettina
B
Basrani
Calvin D
CD
Torneck
Shimon
S
Friedman
D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D004497:Education, Dental; D004708:Endodontics / Q000193:education*; D006171:Gutta-Percha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods; D013335:Students, Dental; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors; D014070:Tooth / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography / Q000379:methods*
D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D006171:Gutta-Percha