Quality of thermoplasticized and single point root fillings assessed by micro-computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate ex vivo the quality of root fillings completed by two thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques (Thermafil and System B) and a cold gutta-percha technique (single point) by μCT analysis.


METHODS
A total of 30 freshly extracted human single-rooted permanent teeth were selected. Root canals were prepared with ProTaper Universal instruments and then randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) depending on the filling technique. In group 1, canals were filled with a single-point technique; group 2 was filled with Thermafil; in group 3 System B was used. In group 1 and group 3, the root filling was performed using ProTaper Universal gutta-percha points, in group 2 Thermafil obturators were used; AH-Plus sealer was used in all groups. Assessment of the root filling was carried out by μCT, using a desktop X-ray micro focus CT scanner. Percentage of root canal filling materials and voids was calculated for each specimen. Data were statistically analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.05).


RESULTS
Mean percentages of filling materials were 98.379 ± 1.204 in the single-point group, 99.023 ± 1.457 in Thermafil group, and 98.167 ± 3.432 in System B group. No statistically significant difference was found amongst the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
All techniques produced comparable results in terms of percentage of filling and void distribution.
Department of Dentistry, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. francesco.somma@libero.it
F
F
Somma
G
G
Cretella
M
M
Carotenuto
R
R
Pecci
R
R
Bedini
M
M
De Biasi
D
D
Angerame
D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D006801:Humans; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography
D004853:Epoxy Resins; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; C534916:epoxy resin-based root canal sealer; D006171:Gutta-Percha