Evaluation of the apical seal of root canal fillings with different methods

Comparative evaluation of sealing ability of gutta percha and resilon as root canal filling materials- a systematic review

This systematic review aims to comparatively evaluate the sealing ability gutta-percha and resilon as root canal filling materials. A Medline search was conducted to identify in-vitro studies published between October 01, 2004 and October 01, 2019, conducted on human extracted teeth, published in English and testing the sealing ability of gutta-percha and resilon as root canal filling materials using fluid filtration method. The search identified fifty-five published articles. After a thorough screening, five articles meeting the selection, and validity assessment criteria were critically appraised. The results indicated that during the initial time-period, resilon/epiphany sealer has better sealing ability than gutta-percha. However, over a period of time the resilon system demonstrated increased fluid flow. Gutta-percha with AH plus sealer showed the best long term sealing ability.

Sealability of Different Root Canal Nanosealers: Nano Calcium Hydroxide and Nano Bioactive Glass

Background:

The success of the endodontic treatment is largely dependent on the sealing achieved by root canal obturation. The application of sealer fills imperfections and increases adaptation of the root filling to the canal walls.

Aim:

To evaluate the sealability of experimental nanosealers (nano calcium hydroxide and nano bioactive glass) and to compare it with the commercial zinc oxide eugenol sealer using a dye penetration method.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty single-rooted mandibular premolars were selected. The tooth crowns were removed so as to obtain standardized 15-mm-long root specimens. The root canal was instrumented with Protaper Ni-Ti rotary file and the final file size was up to # F4/.06 (in vitro study). They were then randomly allocated into 3 groups of 20 specimens each (n=20) according to the sealer used for obturation, and all samples were filled with single cone gutta-percha (#40/06) and one of the tested sealers. All teeth were coated with nail polish and then suspended in 2% methylene blue dye for 7 days. Stereo-microscope (x10) was used to evaluate the sealability of newly introduced nanosealers. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA test followed by post hoc analysis (P < 0.05).

Results:

Significant improvement shown by the presented study suggests that nano calcium hydroxide sealer showed significantly less dye leakage than nano bioactive glass sealer and zinc oxide eugenol sealer.

Conclusion:

The results of this study showed that the synthesized nano-powder sealers are suitable for use in root canal therapy to prevent leakage.

The root canal can be sealed better by using smaller nano-powder particle sizes. In addition, the two groups exhibited significant differences in leakage in comparison with commonly used ZOE sealer.

A Comparative Study of the Quality of Apical Seal in Resilon/Epiphany SE Following Intra canal Irrigation With 17% EDTA, 10% Citric Acid, And MTAD as Final Irrigants - A Dye Leakage Study Under Vacuum

INTRODUCTION

Adequate apical sealing ability of the root canal filling material is an essential requisite for a successful endodontic therapy. Various endodontic irrigants are used for the removal of smear layer before obturating with a solid core material, thereby, reducing microleakage and improving apical seal. Resilon, a synthetic material was developed as an alternative to replace the conventional gutta-percha (standard root canal filling material) and traditional sealers for the obturation of endodontically treated teeth.

AIM

To evaluate and compare in-vitro, the post obturation apical seal obtained with Resilon /Epiphany SE (Self Etch) sealer following irrigation with 17% Ethylenediamine Tetra-Acetic Acid (EDTA), 10% citric acid, and MTAD (a mixture of doxycycline, citric acid, and a detergent, Tween 80), as final irrigants in combination with Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) using dye leakage under vacuum method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty five single rooted human maxillary central incisors were subjected to root canal instrumentation. Based on the final irrigation solution, samples were divided into three experimental groups (n=15); (I) 17% EDTA + 1.3% NaOCl, (II) 10% citric acid + 1.3% NaOCl, (III) MTAD + 1.3% NaOCl and two control groups (positive and negative) with 0.9% normal saline as a final irrigant. The samples were obturated with resilon/epiphany SE sealer according to manufacturer instructions and placed in 2% rhodamine B dye solution under vacuum pressure for 30 minutes and allowed to remain in the dye for seven days. All samples were then longitudinally split and examined for dye leakage under stereomicroscope and the data were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc tukey test.

RESULTS

Statistically significant difference (p=0.001) was observed in the mean apical leakage between the experimental and the control groups. However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) observed in the mean apical leakage amongst the three experimental groups.

CONCLUSION

17% EDTA, 10% citric acid, and MTAD were equally effective in achieving the post-obturation apical seal with resilon/epiphany SE sealer when used as a final irrigant in combination with NaOCl.

Microscopic assessment of the sealing ability of three endodontic filling techniques

Background

Several techniques have been proposed for root canal filling. New rotary files, with non-standardized taper, are appearing, so, points adapted to the taper of the last instrument used to prepare the canal can help in the obturation process. The aim of this study is to assess the sealing ability of different root canal filling techniques.

Material and Methods

Root canals from 30 teeth were shaped with Mtwo and divided in three groups; A, standard lateral condensation with size 35 and 20 gutta-percha points; B, standard lateral condensation and injected gutta-percha; C, single gutta-percha point (standardized 35 Mtwo), continuous wave technique and injected gutta-percha. Root surfaces were covered with nail varnish, except for the apical 2 mm, and submerged in a NO3Ag2 solution; apical stain penetration was measured in mm. Data were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test with a 90% confidence interval.

Results

A and B groups showed stain leakage in the 90% of the cases, whereas it was of 80% for group C. Stain leakage intervals were 1-5 mm for groups A and B and 1-3 mm for group C. There were no statistically significant differences between the three studied groups (p>.05).

Conclusions

All the analyzed root canal filling techniques showed some apical stain leakage, without significant differences among them.

Key words:Gutta-percha filling, microleakage, single cone, injected gutta-percha, warm gutta-percha.

Sealing Efficacy of Single-cone Obturation Technique with MTA and CEM Cement: An in Vitro Bacterial Leakage Study

Background and aims. Various materials and methods have been introduced for obturating cleaned and shaped root canal systems. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the sealing ability of single-cone obturation technique with mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium-enriched mixture based on bacterial leakage approach.

Materials and methods. Sixty-four single-canal teeth were prepared and randomly divided into 5 groups, consisting of three experimental groups (n = 16) and two control groups (n = 8).In group 1, root canal obturation was performed using gutta-percha with 0.02 taper and AH26 sealer by lateral compaction technique. In groups 2 and 3, single Protaper gutta-percha cone was used for obturation with MTA and CEM cement, respectively. A bacterial leakage apparatus was utilized for leakage assessment for 60 days. Leakage comparison between the experimental groups was performed by one-way ANOVA using SPSS 16 statistical software.

Results. The mean bacterial leakage intervals in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 33.68 ± 9.39, 40.68 ± 11.03 and 39.56 ± 9.03 days, respectively. One-way ANOVA indicated no significant differences in bacterial leakage between the three experimen-tal groups (P = 0.109).

Conclusion. Single-cone obturation with well-fitted gutta-percha and MTA and CEM cement is an appropriate alternative for traditional lateral compaction technique.

Microleakage of class V resin composites using various self-etching adhesives: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Microleakage has been identified as a significant problem with composite restorations because of interfacial gap formation which can result in tooth discoloration, recurrent caries, possible pulpal involvement and restoration replacement. Aim of this study is to evaluate the microleakage of self-etch adhesive system at the coronal and apical margins of class V resin composite restorations under stereomicroscope at 20× magnification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Class V cavities were prepared on the facial surfaces of 48 human premolars with coronal margins located in enamel and apical margins located in dentin. Teeth were divided into four groups: Group one-Xeno V; group two- G-Bond; group three-Clearfil S(3) Bond; group four-control. After application of bonding agent and restoration, the teeth were subjected to thermocycling. The teeth were then immersed in 1% aqueous solution of methylene blue dye for 24 hours and sectioned to allow the assessment of microleakage under microscope.

RESULTS

Coronal and apical margins were scored separately using a 0-3 ordinal ranking system and the recorded values were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann- Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Statistical analysis showed that there was less microleakage in Xeno V at coronal region and Clearfil S(3) Bond in apical region, overall Clearfil S(3) Bond showed less marginal permeability in both coronal and apical regions.

CONCLUSION

Specimens restored with the Xeno V and Clearfil S(3) Bond adhesive systems revealed reduced leakage at the coronal margin. At the apical margin, Xeno V showed greater leakage than the other groups, except the control.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In class V restorations restored with composite resin, the choice of material affects the microleakage and retention of the restoration. This study theorizes that the self-etch adhesives show less microleakage in the coronal area than the apical margin.

In vitro study of the effect of Er:YAG laser irradiation on the apical sealing of different root canal sealers

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Er:YAG laser irradiation used to clean dentinal walls on the apical sealing of root canals filled with different types of sealers.

Background Data:

Laser application to the dentinal walls removed debris, rendering the root canals free of smear layers and leaving the dentinal canaliculi open.

Methods:

Sixty-four maxillary canines obtained from laboratory files were instrumented with K-files (Dentsply, Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) using the crown-down technique, and irrigated with a 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution. The specimens were divided into two groups of 32 teeth each. In group I, the teeth were instrumented and irrigated with sodium hypochlorite solution, and divided into four subgroups to be sealed with the different materials (Endofill, N-Rickert, Sealapex and Sealer 26). In group II, the root canals were subjected to Er:YAG laser irradiation (200 mJ, 7 Hz and 60 J total energy), followed by root canal sealing as in group I.

Results:

The data showed lower levels of apical microleakage in the teeth filled with N-Rickert, Sealapex and Sealer 26 cements than in those sealed with Endofill (p < 0.01). No significant difference in microleakage was observed between teeth irrigated only with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite and those submitted to Er:YAG laser application (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

The Er:YAG laser irradiation applied to the root canal walls was not able to prevent apical microleakage.

Comparison of the sealing ability of three filling techniques in canals shaped with two different rotary systems: a bacterial leakage study

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the sealing ability of 3 current filling techniques in root canals shaped with 2 different rotary systems.

STUDY DESIGN

Eighty human extracted mandibular premolars were divided randomly into 2 similar groups of 40 each and instrumented with either ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer, Tulsa, OK; group A) or Mtwo (VDW; Antaeos, Munich, Germany; group B) rotary systems. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups (n = 10) and 2 control groups (n = 5). Canals were filled either with the tapered single-cone technique (SC; subgroups A1 and B1), with lateral condensation (LC; subgroups A2 and B2), or warm vertical compaction (WVC; subgroups A3 and B3). AH Plus was used as a root canal sealer in all groups. Samples were sterilized in an ethylene oxide sterilizer for 12 hours. The apical 3-4 mm of the roots were immersed in brain-heart infusion culture medium with phenol red indicator within culture chambers. The coronal access of each specimen was inoculated every 48 hours with a suspension of Enterococcus faecalis. Bacterial leakage was monitored every 24 hours for 8 weeks. The data obtained were analyzed using a chi-squared test, and P was set at .05.

RESULTS

In group A, 70% of the specimens filled with SC (subgroup A1), 50% of the specimens filled with LC (subgroup A2), and 20% of the specimens filled with WVC (subgroup A3) leaked. There was no statistically significant difference between the subgroups (P > .05). In group B, bacterial leakage was observed in 50% of SC samples (subgroup B1), 40% of LC samples (subgroup B2), and 50% of WVC samples (subgroup B3). There was no statistically significant difference between subgroups B1, B2, and B3 (P > .05). There was also no statistically significant difference between group A and group B (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Filling with SC, LC, and WVC techniques in canals treated with ProTaper or Mtwo rotary instruments showed similar levels of sealing efficacy.

Microleakage evaluation of roots filled with different obturation techniques and sealers

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the apical seal of the Single-cone ProTaper gutta-percha technique and the lateral compaction technique in combination with 3 sealers (AH-26, Apexit, and Sealite-Ultra).

STUDY DESIGN

Seventy extracted single-root teeth were used. Root canals were prepared with ProTaper rotary instruments. Six groups were formed: (I) Single-cone ProTaper gutta-percha with AH-26; (II) lateral compaction technique with AH-26; (III) Single-cone ProTaper gutta-percha with Apexit; (IV) lateral compaction technique with Apexit; (V) Single-cone ProTaper gutta-percha with Sealite-Ultra; and (VI) lateral compaction technique with Sealite-Ultra. The fluid conductance of each specimen was measured after the 7th and 30th days using a fluid filtration method.

RESULTS

When lateral compaction was performed, all sealers showed similar levels of leakage (P > .05). Using the single-cone technique, Sealite-Ultra showed more leakage than the others (P < .05). Comparing filling techniques, there was a significant difference only in the Sealite-Ultra groups (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Single-cone ProTaper gutta-percha and lateral compaction techniques showed similar sealing effect.

Leakage of 4 resin-based root-canal sealers used with a single-cone technique

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to measure leakage of 4 resin-based sealers.

STUDY DESIGN

Four groups of premolars (n = 60) were prepared using GT Rotary files and the crown-down technique and filled by the single-cone technique with AH26, AHPlus, EndoREZ, and an experimental MBP as sealer. Leakage was measured using the fluid filtration method after 15, 30, and 60 days and determined as microL/min(-1) x 10 psi.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis by ANOVA and Tukey HSD test indicated that root fillings with AH Plus and the MBP showed lower leakage values after 15 days (P < .05). At 30 days, AH26 presented higher leakage values when compared to other sealers (P < .05). At 60 days, MBP and AH Plus presented the lower leakage values, differing significantly from EndoREZ (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

It was observed that AH Plus and the experimental MBP showed lower leakage after 60 days than AH 26 and EndoREZ.

Influence of reduced air pressure methods on dye penetration in standardized voids

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the moment when reduced pressure is applied on dye penetration patterns.

STUDY DESIGN

Nine hundred and sixty glass capillary tubes of different inner diameter (0.3 mm and 0.8 mm), divided into 48 groups, were submerged into dye in 3 different positions (horizontally, opening upwards, and opening downwards) under different vacuum conditions (passive, 5 kPa, 35 kPa, 70 kPa reduced pressure). When reduced pressure was applied half of the groups were submerged into dye before and half of the groups after the application of reduced pressure. Linear dye penetration was measured. Univariate analysis was performed with Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test to select variables to be included in the regression model. A multiple logistic regression analysis with backward elimination was performed to assess the influence of different covariates on linear dye penetration.

RESULTS

The multivariate linear regression showed that the moment of vacuuming had the greatest positive effect on linear dye penetration value (beta = 10.6, P < .0001). Also the level of pressure reduction had a positive effect on the outcome variable (beta = 0.2, P < .0001) while the vertical positioning of the tubes has negatively affected the outcome variable both for the open end upside (beta = -1.01, P = .024) and the open end downside (beta = -1.05, P = .019). Diameter of the tubes (P = .442) and immersion time (P = .727) had no effect on the outcome of linear dye penetration.

CONCLUSIONS

Even minimum air pressure reduction applied before immersion of the specimens allowed the dye to extensively penetrate the voids.

Influence of moisture on the apical seal of root canal fillings with five different types of sealer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of moisture on apical leakage using five different types of sealer. There were 120 single-rooted teeth instrumented to .02/#60 and randomly assigned to 10 experimental groups, one control group (AH Plus, lateral condensation) (n = 10) or positive/negative controls (n = 5). Before obturation teeth were dried thoroughly, followed by recontamination with moisture in a wet chamber (moist groups; 37 degrees C for 7 days). The teeth of the experimental groups (a, dry; b, moist) were obturated with sealer (groups 1, AH Plus; 2, Apexit; 3, Ketac-Endo; 4, RoekoSeal; 5, Tubli-Seal) and a single gutta-percha cone .02/#55. Teeth were centrifuged (30 x g for 3 minutes) in 5% methylene blue. Linear dye penetration was measured under a stereomicroscope. Moisture led to less microleakage for Apexit, RoekoSeal, and Tubli-Seal and higher values for AH Plus and Ketac-Endo. Multifactorial ANOVA displayed a significant dependence of leakage on sealer (p < 0.001) and the combination sealer or moisture (p < 0.01). It depends on the sealer type in which way moisture affects the apical seal.

Methodologies for assessment of apical and coronal leakage of endodontic filling materials: a critical review

Apical leakage continues to be a topic of great interest, because in spite of the advances in Endodontics, clinical failures still occur. Most failures are probably attributed to the proliferation of bacteria that remain viable after chemical-mechanical preparation and cause periapical tissue irritation. Coronal leakage has aroused researchers' interest over the last few years, since canals may be re-contaminated after loss of coronal sealing or fracture of the remaining tooth. In this review, the various methodologies used for assessing root canal sealing capacity are critically analyzed, as they are not standardized, which makes it difficult to compare the results obtained when different methodologies are used, even though the same substrate is being assessed.

The Quantitative Evaluation of Apical Sealing of Four Endodontic Sealers

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the apical seal obtained with four root canal sealers: Rocanal 2, Sealapex, AH Plus, and RC Sealer. Forty root canals were prepared using the step-back technique. The specimens were divided into four groups of 10 samples and obturated by laterally condensed gutta-percha with one of the tested sealers. The computerized fluid filtration method was used for evaluation of apical sealing properties. The quantitative apical leakage of each specimen was measured after 7, 14, and 21 days. Statistical analysis indicated that the apical leakage of all sealers used in this study decreased gradually from 7 days to 21 days (p < 0.05). Sealapex showed better apical sealing than the other sealers at 7, 14, and 21 days (p < 0.05). RC Sealer, AH Plus, and Rocanal 2 showed similar apical leakage values at every period (p > 0.05).

Effect of root-end resection and root-end filling on apical leakage in the presence of core-carrier root canal obturation

AIM

To evaluate the apical seal of canals filled with a core-carrier obturator following root-end resection with and without a root-end filling.

METHODOLOGY

Thirty single-rooted human teeth with single canals were used. Root canal treatment was performed and canals filled with a core-carrier obturation technique. The teeth were then randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10). In the first group root canal filling only was performed. After orthograde filling, the teeth of the second group were resected apically, perpendicular to the major axis of the root. In the third group after apical resection, a root-end cavity was prepared using ultrasonic diamond retrotips and the cavities filled with Super-EBA cement. During a period of 3 h and with a headspace pressure of 0.12 atm, methylene-blue solution was forced through a tube that was connected to the apical end of each tooth specimen. The coronal end of the tooth was connected to a capillary tube containing an air bubble. Leakage was evaluated by observing the distal displacement of the air bubble. The roots were then sectioned along their long axis. Using a stereomicroscope, linear dye infiltration at the dentine-cement interface was determined. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the three groups.

RESULTS

Linear dye infiltration was significantly greater in root canals filled with the core-carrier obturators and resected apically (0.9 +/- 0.9 mm) when compared with those that had root-end fillings (0.2 +/- 0.4 mm). Air bubble displacement was not observed.

CONCLUSION

Root-end filling improves the sealing of roots with core-carrier obturation following root-end resection.

An In Vitro Evaluation of the Sealing Ability of a New Root-canal–obturation System

In this study the sealing ability of a new urethane methacrylate resin-based sealer, EndoRez, was evaluated using a fluid-filtration model. Sixty-four single-rooted lower bicuspids were decoronated, instrumented, and divided into 3 groups of 20 each with 4 teeth used as controls. In group A, the roots were obturated with EndoRez and a single cone of gutta-percha, group B with AH Plus and a single cone of gutta-percha, and group C was obturated using gutta-percha with warm vertical compaction and AH Plus sealer. All specimens were allowed to set for 7 days in 100% humidity at 37 degrees C. The groups were compared for differences in the amount of leakage (mm/h) using a Chi-square test. The leakage of group A was significantly higher at p = 0.01 than the other two groups. There was no significant difference in leakage between groups B and C.

Effect of three different sealers on the sealing ability of both thermafil obturators and cold laterally compacted Gutta-Percha

The purpose of this study was to assess the seal obtained in straight and curved root canals filled with either laterally compacted gutta-percha or Thermafil obturators. Each technique was used in combination with three different sealers (RSA RoekoSeal, AH Plus, AH 26). Thermafil obturators were also used without sealer, resulting in a total of 14 test groups of 16 teeth each. Sixty teeth served as positive or negative controls. Included in the study were 142 extracted teeth with straight and 142 with curved root canals. All canals were enlarged up to size 40. After obturation, all roots were placed in India ink for 48 h and rendered transparent to measure the maximum linear dye penetration. Canals filled with Thermafil obturators had significantly more extrusion of filling material than canals filled by lateral compaction (p < 0.01). Thermafil without sealer showed significantly greater dye penetration compared with all other groups both in straight and in curved canals (p < 0.05). As long as a sealer was used, the seal obturated with Thermafil was equivalent in terms of dye penetration to lateral compaction. There were no statistical differences in the mean apical dye penetration among the three sealers. The differences between the dye penetration in straight and in curved canals were insignificant for all groups (p > 0.05). Under the conditions of this study, Thermafil obturators achieved seals comparable to lateral compaction, as long as a sealer was used.

Comparison of two heated gutta-percha obturation techniques of the mandibular first molar in the dog

An in vitro study compared two heated gutta-percha obturation techniques of the mandibular first molar in the dog. Thirty hemimandibles were harvested from adult dog cadavers. The mandibular first molars were instrumented and obturated using either the ThermaFil Plus technique or the SuccessFil vertical compaction technique. Obturation times were recorded and three radiographic views were taken of all teeth for evaluation of the endodontic fill. Fifty-two of the mandibular first molar roots were evaluated in the apical dye leakage portion of the study. The ThermaFil Plus obturation technique required less time and provided a better radiographic endodontic fill, however there was significantly greater apical dye leakage in this technique compared with teeth that were obturated using the SuccessFil vertical compaction technique.

Correlation between clinical success and apical dye penetration

AIM

This study was undertaken to examine whether a correlation exists between apical dye penetration and the clinical performance of root fillings.

METHODOLOGY

Apical dye penetration into 116 roots of human teeth that had been root-filled at least 6 months prior to extraction was tested in vitro using a vacuum technique and by measuring the length of dye penetration. Endodontic treatment was classified as clinically successful or unsuccessful and results for these groups were compared using analysis of variance and the Student's t-test. Positive and negative controls were used to test the experimental system.

RESULTS

All controls performed as expected. Dye penetrated significantly further in unsuccessful cases although the raw data suggested little difference. Overall, dye penetrated 99.5% of the specimens, indicating that the presence of dye in the canal is a poor indicator of whether the technique or material will succeed. However, the extent of dye penetration may be related to the clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically placed root canal fillings do not provide an apical seal that prevents fluid penetration. The outcome of treatment cannot be predicted from the results of apical dye leakage studies.

Lack of correlation among three methods for evaluation of apical leakage

The purpose of this study was to compare three methods of evaluation of the apical seal. Thirty-six teeth were prepared with a ProFile device and filled according to three filling methods: Thermafil (n = 12), warm vertical condensation (n = 12), and the single cone technique (n = 2). The apical seal was recorded with three methods, each successively used on the same teeth: a fluid filtration method, an electrochemical method, and a dye penetration study. The three methods of evaluation did not rank the apical leakage of the three filling techniques in the same order. The fluid filtration method showed that the vertical condensation was superior to Thermafil, which was in turn superior to the single cone technique (p = 0.04). The dye penetration study showed that the Thermafil was a better technique than the vertical condensation and the single cone technique (p = 0.005). The electrochemical method showed no statistical difference among the three filling techniques. No correlation was found among the results obtained with the three methods of evaluation. This study shows that several studies are necessary before comparing the apical seal obtained with various filling techniques.

Comparison of two heated gutta percha and sealer obturation techniques in canine teeth of dogs

The overall endodontic fill and apical seal achieved using two different obturation methods were compared. Twenty-six adult dog canine teeth were instrumented and obturated using either a warm vertical or heated lateral technique. Zinc oxide-eugenol sealer was applied by paper point in the warm vertical technique and by syringe injection in the heated lateral technique. The cadaver jaws were warmed to 35-37 degrees C (95-98.6 degrees F) during obturation using a circulating warm water bath. Obturation times were recorded and ventrodorsal, lateral, and oblique dental radiographs were taken of all teeth for comparison. Twenty-two of the canine teeth were extracted and an apical dye study was performed using a clearing technique. Apical dye leakage was linearly measured to evaluate the furthest ink penetration into the root canal. Although radiographically the heated lateral method appeared to have a better endodontic fill, there was significantly greater apical dye leakage in teeth obturated with that combination of sealer and gutta percha. There was also extrusion of sealer and root fracture associated with the heated lateral technique. The method of sealer application was different for each technique; this variable should be taken into consideration when interpreting our results, which suggest that the warm vertical compaction technique may provide a better apical seal in canine teeth of dogs in a shorter period of time, with fewer obturation complications when compared to the heated lateral technique.