Comparison of MicroSeal and System B/Obtura II obturation techniques

The fate of overfilling in root canal treatments with long-term follow-up: a case series

This study describes 6 cases of endodontic overfilling with successful clinical outcomes during long-term (up to 35 years) radiographic follow-up. Successful endodontic treatment depends on proper shaping, disinfection, and obturation of root canals. Filling materials should completely fill the root canal space without exceeding the anatomical apex. Overfilling may occur when the filling material extrudes into the periapical tissues beyond the apex. The present case series describes 6 root canal treatments in which overfilling of root canal sealer and gutta-percha accidentally occurred. Patients’ teeth were periodically checked with periapical radiographs in order to evaluate the outcomes during long-term follow-up. All cases showed healing and progressive resorption of the extruded materials in the periapex. The present cases showed that if a 3-dimensional seal was present at the apical level, overfilling did not negatively affect the long-term outcomes of root canal treatment.

Adaptation of Single-Cone Gutta-Percha in Curved Canals Prepared and Obturated with Protaper and Heroshaper Systems by Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Objective

The aim of this study is to prepare and obturate the curved canals of the mesiobuccal root of maxillary first molar with four different file systems that is protaper hand files, rotary pro taper (RP) files, heroshaper hand files, and rotary hero shapers files and to evaluate the adaptation of their single-cone Gutta-percha by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods

Eighty teeth were selected and were divided into two groups (G1A1, G1A2 and G2A1, G2A2 as hand and RP file system, G1A3, G1A4 and G2A3, G2A4 as hand and rotary hero shaper files system) of fourth teeth each. After access opening working length of the mesiobuccal canal was established. The distobuccal and palatal roots of the samples were removed using the diamond disc at the furcation level. "Endoanalyser" software was used to measure Schneider's angle on the preoperative radiograph. This angle was measured by drawing two lines-one parallel to the long axis of the canal, in the coronal third, and the second line from the apical foramen to intersect the point where the first line left the long axis of the canal. The canals of each group were then prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions for protaper hand files, RP files, heroshaper hand files, and rotary hero shapers files systems. Direct digital radiography image of all the samples was obtained. And then, the samples were exposed to CBCT to evaluate their single-cone adaptations. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20, IBM, Armonk, NY, United States of America.

Results

The null hypothesis that there will not be any gap area in the adaptation of their single-cone of different file system was rejected. Minimal gap area was seen in rotary hero shapers file system (0.001 mm²) and was maximum in hand protaper (HP) file system (0.015 mm²).

Conclusion

CBCT is a useful tool in detecting the gap area after obturation in curved canals. The HP single-cone adaptation showed the maximum gap area and rotary heroshaper single-cone adaptation showed the minimum gap area.

Tecnologia a serviço da Endodontia: avanços no diagnóstico e tratamento de canais radiculares

A Endodontia é a especialidade da Odontologia que cuida da prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento das afecções que acometem a polpa dental, a cavidade endodôntica e os tecidos periodontais adjacentes. O tratamento endodôntico, considerado complexo e desgastante para o paciente e operador, durante anos vem sendo foco de atenção para estudiosos da área e indústria especializada. O objetivo deste estudo de revisão de literatura foi apresentar, de forma sucinta, a evolução tecnológica dedicada à endodontia nas últimas décadas e suas consequências na atualidade. Muitos foram os estudos que acarretaram no desenvolvimento de aparelhos, instrumentos, materiais e técnicas hoje utilizadas visando a simplificação, agilização e aumento da taxa de sucesso do tratamento endodôntico. Entre os principais incrementos na endodontia podemos citar os modernos instrumentos endodônticos, os sofisticados motores e aparelhos controlados eletronicamente e alguns materiais. Esses, modificaram significativamente a forma de realizar algumas etapas do tratamento como a odontometria, o preparo químico-mecânico, a obturação, o reparo de perfurações e, ainda, o diagnóstico por imagem, tornando a endodontia mais segura, eficiente, rápida, com maior previsibilidade e menos cansativa para profissional e paciente.

A Comparative Evaluation of Five Obturation Techniques in the Management of Simulated Internal Resorptive Cavities: An Ex Vivo Study

Background:

Root resorption is the loss of dental hard tissues as a result of clastic activities. It might be broadly classified into external or internal resorption by the location of the resorption in relation to the root surface. the various techniques used these days for filling internal resorption include warm condensation, vertical condensation, core techniques, thermoplasticized gutta-percha, warm vertical compaction, and cold lateral condensation.

Objectives:

The aims and objectives of this study were to compare the quality of root fillings in artificially created internal resorption cavities filled with warm vertical compaction, lateral condensation, Obtura II along with System B, E and Q plus along with System B, and Thermafil, and to calculate the percentage of gutta-percha, sealer, and voids using an ImageJ software.

Results:

Results between the warm vertical compaction (group I), lateral condensation (group II), Obtura II with System B (group III), E and Q plus with System B (group IV), and Thermafil (group V), group III showed the highest percentage of gutta-percha plus sealer and gutta-percha, and least number of voids, which was statistically significant (P < 0.000).

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that Obtura II along with System B was found to be the most suitable obturation technique for the management of teeth exhibiting internal resorption. Thermafil was found to give the poorest obturation quality when used to fill the teeth with internal resorption. Similarly, lateral condensation technique was observed to show maximum sealer and hence was not ideal for the management of internal resorptive cavities.

In vitro comparison of gutta-percha-filled area percentages in root canals instrumented and obturated with different techniques

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of different obturation techniques in root canals instrumented either by hand or rotary instruments with regard to the percentage of gutta- percha-filled area (PGFA).

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and sixty extracted mandibular premolars with single, straight root canals were studied. Root canals were prepared to an apical size of 30 by hand with a modified crown-down technique or the ProTaper and HEROShaper systems. Teeth were divided into eight groups (n=20) according to the following instrumentation and obturation techniques: G1: Hand files+lateral condensation (LC), G2: Hand files+Thermafil, G3: ProTaper+LC, G4: ProTaper+single-cone, G5: ProTaper+ProTaper-Obturator, G6: HEROShaper+LC, G7: HEROShaper+single-cone, G8: HEROShaper+HEROfill. Horizontal sections were cut at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 mm from the apical foramen. A total of 1120 sections obtained were digitally photographed under a stereomicroscope set at 48X magnification. The cross-sectional area of the canal and the gutta-percha was measured by digital image analysis and the PGFA was calculated for each section.

Results:

The mean of the PGFA in Thermafil (G2), ProTaper-Obturator (G5) and HEROfill (G8) groups was significantly higher than the other groups. In G3 and G4, PGFA showed no significant difference in the apical segments whereas PGFA was significantly higher at the middle and coronal segments in G3. In G6 and G7, PGFA showed no significant difference in the apical and middle segments whereas PGFA was significantly higher at the coronal segments in G6.

Conclusion:

The carrier-based gutta-percha obturation systems revealed significantly higher PGFA in comparison to single-cone and lateral condensation techniques.

Theoretical distribution of gutta-percha within root canals filled using cold lateral compaction based on numeric calculus

This study aimed to present a new method based on numeric calculus to provide data on the theoretical volume ratio of voids when using the cold lateral compaction technique in canals with various diameters and tapers. Twenty-one simulated mathematical root canal models were created with different tapers and sizes of apical diameter, and were filled with defined sizes of standardized accessory gutta-percha cones. The areas of each master and accessory gutta-percha cone as well as the depth of their insertion into the canals were determined mathematically in Microsoft Excel. When the first accessory gutta-percha cone had been positioned, the residual area of void was measured. The areas of the residual voids were then measured repeatedly upon insertion of additional accessary cones until no more could be inserted in the canal. The volume ratio of voids was calculated through measurement of the volume of the root canal and mass of gutta-percha cones. The theoretical volume ratio of voids was influenced by the taper of canal, the size of apical preparation and the size of accessory gutta-percha cones. Greater apical preparation size and larger taper together with the use of smaller accessory cones reduced the volume ratio of voids in the apical third. The mathematical model provided a precise method to determine the theoretical volume ratio of voids in root-filled canals when using cold lateral compaction.

3D analyses of interface voids in root canals filled with different sealer materials in combination with warm gutta-percha technique

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to analyze the formation of voids and gaps in root canals obturated with different sealer materials in combination with warm gutta-percha vertical compaction technique by using BeeFill® 2in1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four single-rooted teeth were collected, and root canals were prepared by using rotary files. All teeth were randomly allocated into three groups. Each group was obturated by using the BeeFill® 2in1 system in combination with Sealapex (non-eugenol, calcium hydroxide polymeric root canal sealer; Kerr Sybron, USA), RoekoSeal (polydimethylsiloxane-based sealer; Roeko, Germany), or 2Seal (epoxy-amine resin-based sealer; VDW, Germany). Following preparation, all teeth were scanned with a micro-computed tomography (CT) scanner, and a three-dimensional reconstruction of the obturated root canals was performed to analyze the volume of interface voids and gaps in the obturated teeth.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis demonstrated that the silicon-based sealer RoekoSeal induced significantly less voids and gaps than other tested materials. The amount of voids and gaps significantly was higher in the apical region.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that none of the root canal-filled teeth were free of gaps. Teeth obturated with RoekoSeal demonstrated to have the highest quality in terms of voids and gaps formation in combination with the BeeFill® 2in1 obturation system.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These findings point to the potential benefit of micro-CT analyses for in vitro evaluation of root canal obturation systems and provide further information about sealer materials used in combination with a warm gutta-percha vertical compaction technique.

Sealing ability of lateral compaction and tapered single cone gutta-percha techniques in root canals prepared with stainless steel and rotary nickel titanium instruments

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of lateral compaction and tapered single cone gutta-percha techniques in root canals prepared with stainless steel and rotary nickel titanium root canal instruments by fluid filtration method. Study design: The root canals were prepared with stainless steel (SS) and nickel titanium (NiTi) instruments. The canals prepared with SS were obturated with lateral compaction technique using .02 tapered cones and the canals prepared with NiTi instruments were obturated with lateral compaction technique using .02 tapered cones or 06 tapered single cones. The amount of leakage was evaluated by fluid filtration model. The results were statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA. Results: The group prepared with NiTi instruments and filled with lateral compaction technique showed significantly less coronal leakage than the group prepared with SS instruments and filled with lateral compaction technique (p<0.05). There was no statistically difference between apical leakages of groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: Obturation with lateral compaction of gutta-percha provides a superior coronal seal whilst canal instrumentation with engine-driven NiTi files reduces the extent of microleakage in root canals when compared with stainless steel hand instruments. Tapered single cone technique was comparable with lateral compaction technique because of easier application.

Key words:Apical leakage, coronal leakage, lateral compaction technique, single cone technique.

Push-out strength of root fillings with or without thermomechanical compaction

AIM

To evaluate the influence of thermomechanical compaction (Tagger's hybrid technique - THT) on the push-out strength of several root filling materials to root dentine.

METHODOLOGY

Root canals of eighty roots in human canines were prepared with the ProTaper system and filled with one of the following materials, using either lateral compaction (LC) (n = 40) or THT (n = 40): AH Plus/gutta-percha (GP) (n = 10), Sealer 26/GP (n = 10), Epiphany SE/Resilon (n = 10) and Epiphany SE/GP (n = 10). Three 2-mm-thick dentine slices were obtained from each third of each root. The root filling in the first slice was subjected to a push-out test to evaluate the bond strength of the materials to intraradicular dentine. Data (in MPa) were analysed using anova and post hoc Tukey's test (P < 0.05). Failure mode was determined at × 25 magnification. The other two slices were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the surface of the filling materials.

RESULTS

Lateral compaction (1.34 ± 1.14 MPa) was associated with a significantly higher bond strength (P < 0.05) than the THT (0.97 ± 0.88 MPa). AH Plus/GP (2.23 ± 0.83 MPa) and Sealer 26/GP (1.86 ± 0.50 MPa) had significantly higher bond strengths than the other materials and differed significantly from each other (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the coronal (1.36 ± 1.15 MPa), middle (1.14 ± 1.05 MPa) and apical thirds (0.95 ± 0.83 MPa). Considering the technique and root filling material interaction, AH Plus/GP-LC was associated with the highest mean values (2.65 ± 0.66 MPa) (P < 0.05). Sealer 26/GP-LC (2.10 ± 0.46 MPa), AH Plus/GP-THT (1.81 ± 0.78 MPa) and Sealer 26/GP-TH (1.63 ± 0.44 MPa) had intermediate values that were not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). Epiphany SE was associated with the lowest mean values (3.70 ± 0.86 MPa) (P < 0.05), regardless of the root filling technique and type of solid material (cone). Adhesive failures predominated in the specimens filled with Epiphany SE, whilst mixed and cohesive failures were more frequent in those filled with AH Plus and Sealer 26, regardless of the root filling technique. SEM analysis revealed that LC produced a dense and well-compacted filling whilst the use of a hybrid thermomechanical technique resulted in the solid material (GP or Resilon) intermingled within sealer to form a nonhomogenous mass.

CONCLUSION

Lateral compaction was associated with higher bond strengths of the materials to intraradicular dentine than a hybrid technique using thermomechanical compaction. The greatest push-out strengths were obtained when the canals were filled with LC of AH Plus and GP cones.

'Simultaneous technique' and a hybrid Microseal/PacMac obturation

In these endodontic case reports we present a root canal preparation protocol using the Mtwo Ni-Ti rotary files according to the 'simultaneous technique' which is a'crown-down' approach, where every instrument in the sequence is used to the full working length. A hybrid Microseal/PacMac obturation (consisting of three stages: master cone compaction, backfill with pre-plasticized guttapercha and vertical compaction) is proposed in order to: maintain the obturation length control associated with the Microseal system; use preheated gutta-percha to backfill the canal rapidly with the PacMac condensor; and to reduce potential voids in the obturation material with the final vertical compaction.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The'simultaneous technique'followed by apical preparation using Mtwo apical files allows obturation using the proposed hybrid Microseal/Pacmac method, aiming to overcome some of the shortcomings of the Microseal and Pacmac obturation methods, such as length control difficulty and sealer pooling.

Evaluation of the thermoplasticity of different gutta-percha cones and the TC system

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the thermoplasticity of three commercial brands of gutta-percha (Tanari, Dentsply 0.06, and Roeko), and of the TC system.

Materials and Methods:

Standardized specimens were fabricated from the materials to be evaluated. Specimens were placed in water at 70°C for 60 seconds. Following that, they were positioned between two glass slabs and each set was compressed by a 5kg weight. Images of the specimens before and after compression were digitized and analyzed by the Image Tool software. The flow capacity of each material was confirmed by the difference between the initial and final areas of each sample.

Results:

The resulting data were analyzed by ANOVA. The TC system presented the greatest thermoplasticity values (p<0.05). Among the gutta-percha cones, the Roeko brand showed higher thermoplasticity than the others (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The gutta-percha from TC system present good thermoplasticity capacity.

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.

The percentage of gutta-percha-filled area in simulated curved canals when filled using Endo Twinn, a new heat device source

AIM

To compare the percentage of gutta-percha-filled area (PGP) in simulated root canals when varying the penetration depth and function of the pluggers (heat versus heat plus vibration) using Endo Twinn.

METHODOLOGY

Sixty-four resin blocks with simulated 34-35 degrees curved canals were randomly divided into two groups in order to obtain two canal shapes: group A with 0.8 taper and group B with 0.4 taper. The apical portion of each canal was prepared to a size 20 K-file. The canals were filled with gutta-percha in combination with a root canal sealer. In each group 16 canals were filled using the Endo Twinn heat function and 16 canals by means of both the heat and the vibration function. All samples were sectioned horizontally at three levels (1.25, 2.5 and 4.0 mm from the working length) and the PGP was measured. Data were analysed using ANOVA test.

RESULTS

At the 1.25 mm level PGP was significantly greater using the vibration function (P = 0.0329) and in 0.8 taper canals (P < 0.0001). At the 2.5 mm level the PGP was greater in the canals with 0.8 taper compared with a 0.4 taper with or without vibration (vibration, P = 0.0056; interaction taper-vibration, P = 0.0020). In 0.4 taper canals the PGP was greater when the vibration function was activated. At the 4 mm level in 0.8 taper canals there was no significant difference in PGP with or without the vibration (P = 0.6742).

CONCLUSIONS

0.8 taper canals had significantly greater PGP than 0.4 taper canals. At the 1.25 mm level there was significantly greater PGP when the vibration function was activated.

Comparison of cold lateral compaction and continuous wave of obturation techniques following manual or rotary instrumentation

AIM

To compare different combinations of root canal preparation and obturation technique.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 48 freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors were divided into two identical groups on the basis of root canal length and apical diameter. The root canals were prepared by manual crown-down pressureless technique or with a rotary system (ProFile; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) in a crown-down technique. The coronal diameter and apical size of the root canals were standardized in both preparation techniques. Each main group was then divided into two subgroups and obturated with either cold lateral compaction or continuous wave of obturation with System B (EIE-Analytic Technology, Orange, CA, USA). The distribution of filling material in each canal was assessed by stereomicroscopic examination of eight cross-sections on each tooth. Areas of sealer, gutta-percha and voids were measured on the digital images of a total of 384 samples. Manipulation time and apical extrusion for each group was also determined. Data were statistically analysed using Kruskal-Wallis, anova (Bonferroni/Dunn) or Student's t-test.

RESULTS

The percentage of sealer, gutta-percha and voids area between the obturation techniques was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Continuous wave groups had significantly more apical extrusion of sealer (P < 0.05), while none of the obturation techniques had gutta-percha extrusion. Rotary instrumentation was significantly faster than the manual technique (P < 0.05); continuous wave obturation was significantly faster than lateral compaction (P < 0.05). Total manipulation time in the rotary/continuous wave group was significantly shorter than the other groups (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The distribution of filling materials was similar in all combinations of instrumentation and obturation techniques. The continuous wave technique was faster than lateral compaction and it extruded more sealer.

An evaluation of .06 tapered gutta-percha cones for filling of .06 taper prepared curved root canals

AIM

To compare the area occupied by gutta-percha, sealer, or void in standardized .06 tapered prepared simulated curved canals and in mesio-buccal canals of extracted maxillary first molars filled with a single .06 gutta-percha point and sealer or lateral condensation of multiple .02 gutta-percha points and sealer.

METHODOLOGY

Simulated canals in resin blocks with either a 30 degrees curve and radius of 10.5 mm (n = 20) or a 58 degrees curve and 4.7 mm radius (n = 20) and curved mesio-buccal canals of extracted maxillary first molars (n = 20) were prepared using .06 ProFiles in a variable tip crown-down sequence to an apical size 35 at 0.5 mm from the canal terminus or apical foramen. Ten 30 degrees and 58 degrees curved resin canals and 10 canals in the extracted teeth group were obturated with .02 taper gutta-percha cones and AH 26 sealer using lateral condensation. The time required to obturate was recorded. The remaining canals were obturated with a single .06 taper gutta-percha cone and AH 26 sealer. Excess gutta-percha was removed from the specimens using heat and the warm mass vertically condensed. Horizontal sections were cut at 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 4.5, 7.5 and 11.5 mm from the canal terminus or apical foramen. Colour photographs were taken using an Olympus 35 mm camera attached to a stereomicroscope set at x40 magnification, and then digitized using a flatbed scanner. The cross-sectional area of the canal contents was analysed using Adobe PhotoShop. The percentage of gutta-percha, sealer or voids to the total root canal area were derived and data analysed using unpaired Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS

In the 30 degrees curved canals the levels had between 94 and 100% of the area filled with gutta-percha with no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the lateral condensation and single cone techniques. In the 58 degrees curved canals the levels had 92-99% of the area filled with gutta-percha, with the single cone technique having significantly (P < 0.05) more gutta-percha fill at the 2.5 mm level only. In the mesio-buccal canals of the teeth the levels had between 72 and 96% of the area filled with gutta-percha with no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the lateral condensation and single cone technique. The time for obturation was significantly (P < 0.05) greater for lateral condensation compared with the single cone technique in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The .06 taper single cone technique was comparable with lateral condensation in the amount of gutta-percha occupying a prepared .06 tapered canal. The .06 single cone technique was faster than lateral condensation.