title: Temperature Profiles Along the Root with Gutta-percha Warmed through Different Heat Sources.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate temperature profiles developing in the root during warm compaction of gutta-percha with the heat sources System B and System MB Obtura (Analityc Technology, Redmond, WA, USA). Thirty extracted human incisor teeth were used. Root canals were cleaned and shaped by means of Protaper rotary files (Dentsply-Maillefer, Belgium), and imaging was performed by micro-CT (Skyscan 1072, Aartselaar, Belgium).
  
  
  METHODS
  Teeth were instrumented with K-type thermocouples, and the roots were filled with thermoplastic gutta-percha. Vertical compaction was achieved through the heat sources System B and System MB, and temperature profiles were detect-ed by means of NI Dac Interface controlled by the LabView System. With both heat sources, higher temperature levels were recorded in the region of the root far from the apex. When the warm plugger tip was positioned at a distance of 3 mm from the root apex, temperature levels of about 180°C were used to soften gutta-percha, and no statistically significant differences were observed between peak temperatures developed by the two heating sources at the root apex. However, a temperature level higher than 40°C was maintained for a longer time with System MB.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistically significant differences were observed in peak temperature levels recorded far from the root apex. Thus, with a temperature of about 180°C and the warm plugger positioned at 3 mm from the root apex, both heating sources led to a temperature slightly higher than 40°C at the apex of the root, suggesting that the gutta-percha was properly softened.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A temperature level higher than 40°C was maintained for a longer time with System MB, thus providing an ad-equate time for warm compaction of the gutta-percha.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Simeone
authors.affiliation: Institute of Composite and Biomedical Materials, National Research Council of Italy, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto De
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Santis
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ametrano
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Prisco
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Marino
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Borrelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Science, University of Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Paduano
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Riccitiello
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianrico
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Spagnuolo
keywords: Gutta-percha; Micro-CT; NiTi; Rotary Files; System B; System MB.