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.