A comparison of two gutta-percha obturation techniques to replicate canal irregularities in a split-tooth model.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare a modified injectable gutta-percha (MIGP) obturation technique with continuous wave technique (CWT) for the ability to fill the root canal system (RCS) and replicate artificially created intracanal defects at the apical third, using a split-tooth model.

STUDY DESIGN

A maxillary canine was use to build a split-tooth model. The root canal was cleaned and shaped using crown-down technique with rotary files to size #40 at the apex. Intracanal defects were created in the dentin of the root canal walls with a half-round bur at the apical third. The canal was obturated 48 times with gutta-percha and sealer. Twenty-four obturations were performed for each technique, MIGP and CWT. After each obturation, the model was separated in 2 halves; buccal and lingual. Each obturation was examined and photographed under operating microscope at ×5 magnification. The images were blindly evaluated by 2 endodontists for the length of gutta-percha fill, ability to fill the RCS, presence of voids, and replication of the canal defects.

RESULTS

Results were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test and showed statistical difference between the 2 groups in the quality of the obturation (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The MIGP technique appeared to replicate the canal defects at the apical third better than CWT, with fewer voids in between the canal walls and the gutta-percha mass.