The quality of Thermafil obturations with different final apical tapers: a three-dimensional microcomputed tomographic comparative study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of final canal taper on the sealing ability of Thermafil by using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT).


METHODS
Fifty-four single-rooted teeth were instrumented to apical size 40 taper 4, 6 and 8%. Teeth were divided into three groups. All teeth were filled with Thermafil (Dentsply,Tulsa Dental Products). Using micro-CT, roots were scanned and volume measurements of voids at 1, 3 and 5 mm from the apex were calculated using specialized CT software. Measurements were analyzed statistically with ANOVA followed by Bonferroni multiple comparison correction.


RESULTS
Data analysis showed that 0.08 preparations provided better results than 0.06 and 0.04% tapered samples especially at 1 mm from the apex. Mean percentage of voids were significantly higher with Thermafil taper 0.06% (p = 0.05). None of the root canals filled teeth were gap free. Root canal preparations with bigger taper exhibited less voids than smaller tapered preparations.


CONCLUSIONS
In our daily practice, enlarging the apical third (last 3 mm) of root canals to an 8% taper gives a better sealing ability and thus long-term success for our root canal obturations.
Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry Saint-Joseph University, 1104 2020 Beirut, Libanon. zogheibcarla@gmail.com
Carla
C
Zogheib
Alfred
A
Naaman
Etienne
E
Medioni
Gael
G
Bourbouze
Reza Arbab
RA
Chirani
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D016062:Porosity; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012389:Root Canal Obturation; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography
D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials