title: Evaluation of the quality of different endodontic obturation techniques by digital radiography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was aimed to evaluate different endodontic obturation techniques (Thermafil, lateral condensation, and Tagger's hybrid technique) regarding the homogeneity of the obturation radiopacity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy roots of human upper central incisors were filled using the Thermafil system, lateral condensation. and Tagger's hybrid technique. Radiopacity of the filling was evaluated based on mean of grey levels, and its homogeneity was assessed by the coefficient of variation (CV), analyzing the histograms obtained of digitized and digital radiographs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The increase in mean grey levels (p < 0.001) and reduction in the CV (p < 0.05) were higher for Tagger's hybrid technique compared with other methods.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tagger's hybrid technique provided better homogeneity of the obturation radiopacity and better apical sealing compared with lateral condensation technique.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that Tagger's hybrid technique provided the best compaction of the root canal filling material, an important factor for the sealing of obturations and, consequently, for the effectiveness of treatment.
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil, Av. Araujo Pinho n. 62, Canela, Salvador, BA, CEP 40110-150, Brazil. larissafracassi@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Larissa Dantas
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Fracassi
authors.forename: Eduardo Gomes
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Ferraz
authors.forename: Sílvio José
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Albergaria
authors.forename: Elaine Bauer
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Veeck
authors.forename: Nilza Pereira
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: da Costa
authors.forename: Viviane Almeida
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Sarmento
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000145:classification; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006171:Gutta-Percha / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007180:Incisor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008751:Methylene Blue; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013499:Surface Properties; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014962:X-Ray Film
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents; D003287:Contrast Media; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D004492:Edetic Acid; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite; D008751:Methylene Blue