Comparison between gutta-percha and resilon removal using two different techniques in endodontic retreatment

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Root canal filling materials are crucial for treatment success.
• Gutta-percha/AH 26 and Resilon/Epiphany are common filling materials with different properties.
• Effective removal of filling materials is essential for retreatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of removing Resilon/Epiphany versus gutta-percha/AH 26 root canal filling materials.
• To evaluate the impact of different rotary file systems (K3 and Liberator) on retreatment time and residual material.
• To assess the influence of chloroform as a solvent during retreatment.

Main Methods:

• Extracted teeth with Resilon/Epiphany or gutta-percha/AH 26 root fillings were used.
• Root canal filling removal was performed using chloroform with K3 or Liberator rotary files.
• Residual filling material on canal walls was quantified using image analysis software.

Main Results:

• Resilon/Epiphany removed with K3 files showed significantly less residual material (p < 0.05).
• No significant difference in residual material was found between materials with Liberator files (p > 0.05).
• Resilon/Epiphany removal was faster than gutta-percha/AH 26 (p < 0.05), and K3 was faster than Liberator (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Resilon/Epiphany can be effectively removed using K3 or Liberator rotary files.
• The K3 rotary system demonstrated superior efficiency in removing both Resilon/Epiphany and gutta-percha/AH 26.
• Material choice and rotary system significantly impact retreatment efficiency and cleanliness.