title: Comparative micro-computed tomographic evaluation of two carrier-based obturation systems.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to measure the percentage of volume of voids and gaps in the apical third of root canals obturated with two techniques using micro-computed tomography.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-four single-rooted teeth were collected and root canal-prepared. The roots were randomly allocated into two groups; each group was obturated by using thermoplasticized technique with a different material (gutta-percha and Topseal for Thermafil, Resilon and RealSeal for RealSeal 1). Roots were then scanned, and volume measurements for voids and gaps in the obturated roots were carried out using specialized CT software. Percentage of gaps and voids was calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The present study showed that none of the root canal-filled teeth was gap free. Student t test was conducted. No significant difference was found between Thermafil and RealSeal 1 concerning percentage of voids in the apical third (P > 0.05). Both materials showed statistically significant difference between the levels where 1 mm showed the highest volume of voids (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both carrier-based techniques allowed a good sealing ability in root canals but none of the materials was gap free. Statistically significant difference between the levels was found and 1 mm showed the highest volume of voids.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows the efficiency of carrier-based obturation systems in filling root canals hermetically. It compares new adhesive endodontic materials with the traditional gold standard gutta-percha. Results show the good sealing ability of both techniques making them appropriate to use in daily endodontic obturations.
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon, zogheibcarla@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zogheib
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Naaman
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sigurdsson
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Medioni
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bourbouze
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Arbab-Chirani
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D012389:Root Canal Obturation; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography / Q000379:methods*