Comparison of two heated gutta-percha obturation techniques of the mandibular first molar in the dog

An in vitro study compared two heated gutta-percha obturation techniques of the mandibular first molar in the dog. Thirty hemimandibles were harvested from adult dog cadavers. The mandibular first molars were instrumented and obturated using either the ThermaFil Plus technique or the SuccessFil vertical compaction technique. Obturation times were recorded and three radiographic views were taken of all teeth for evaluation of the endodontic fill. Fifty-two of the mandibular first molar roots were evaluated in the apical dye leakage portion of the study. The ThermaFil Plus obturation technique required less time and provided a better radiographic endodontic fill, however there was significantly greater apical dye leakage in this technique compared with teeth that were obturated using the SuccessFil vertical compaction technique.