Microcomputed tomographic evaluation of techniques for warm gutta-percha obturation.

Transparent epoxy resin root canal models were used to evaluate vertical condensation techniques for obturating lateral canals. The root canal model was configured with a straight main root canal and four right-angled lateral canals at 1.0 and 3.0 mm from the apex. Root canal obturation was performed with Thermafil, Obtura II, or NT condenser. Obturation volume in lateral canals was measured by three-dimensional microcomputed tomography, and one-way analysis of variance was used to analyze differences between groups. Lateral canals at 1.0 and 3.0 mm were uniformly filled by all obturation methods. Among the three obturation methods, Thermafil resulted in the highest obturation volumes for all lateral canals.