Efficiency of Using Different Greater Taper Gutta-Percha Cones in Continuous Warm Vertical Condensation: An Study.

AIM

The aim of this randomized study is to evaluate the efficiency of gutta-percha cones that match a nickel-titanium instrumentation system and nonmatching greater taper cones, when used with continuous warm vertical condensation technique.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-six straight canals were prepared using ProTaper Next files, and the apical third was obturated using either ProTaperNext cones (group A), ISO uniform greater taper cones (group B), or nonstandardized cones (group C). Cone adaptation time was quantified by the number of required modifications. Micro-computed tomography was used to measure voids and sealer percentage.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the groups regarding void volume ( = 0.666), percentage ( = 0.379), and the number of modifications ( = 0.757). Sealer percentage, however, was significantly lower in group B when compared to group A ( = 0.0194).

CONCLUSION

In straight canals, matching gutta-percha cones were not associated with significantly better obturation or saving time to fit the cone.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Using gutta-percha cones that do not match a nickel-titanium instrumentation system to obturate the straight canals with continuous warm vertical condensation technique is as efficient as using matching cones in terms of obturation quality and ease of cone fit.