Analysis of the film thickness of a root canal sealer following three obturation techniques

The aim of this study was to obtain a quantitative analysis of the film thickness of a root canal sealer formed after filling by three different techniques. Thirty human maxillary incisors were selected and access cavities were prepared using high-speed diamond stones and water spray. A size #15 K-Flexofile was introduced in the canal of each specimen until it was seen just at the apical foramen. The working length was determined to be 1 mm short of that position and the canals were prepared to an apical size of #45 K-Flexofile. Copious irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite) was used during and after instrumentation. The samples were divided into three groups and obturated as follows: G1 - lateral condensation, G2 - lateral condensation with an accessory cone, and G3 - continuous wave of condensation. The samples were evaluated in the cervical, middle and apical thirds. The film thickness of the root canal sealer was measured through a microscopic evaluation. Statistical analysis was obtained using the Wilcox test. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between G3 and G1, G3 and G2 (p < 0.05). In general, the lowest film thickness was observed in the continuous wave of condensation (G3). Lateral condensation with an accessory cone (G2) and lateral condensation (G1) demonstrated poorer results in this study, showing a higher film thickness. The small film thickness of the sealer obtained by the continuous wave of condensation technique may increase the clinical performance of this technique.