An in vitro comparison of root canal content extrusion using ultrasonic and hand instrumentation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate apical extrusion of root canal content using ultrasonic and hand instrumentation. Forty-nine tooth models were fabricated with clear resin. Each model contained a canal in the center. Each tooth model was mounted in a plastic cube (1 x 1 x 2 cm) with white dental plaster so that the coronal 2-3 mm of the model was exposed for instrumentation. Methylene blue dye with glycerin was used as a marker for root canal content. The study consisted of three groups. In group I, Enac ultrasonic instrumentation was used 1 mm from the apex; in group II, Enac ultrasonic instrumentation was used 3 mm from the apex; in group III, K files were used with a push-pull instrumentation technique, 1 mm from the apex. After instrumentation the resin models were extracted and the plaster blocks were sectioned through the long axis of the models. Photographs were made of the area of apical leakage and the amount of dye penetration was measured using a planimeter. There were no differences between hand instrumentation and both ultrasonic groups. At p less than 0.05, ultrasonic instrumentation 3 mm from the apex leaked significantly more than the ultrasonic instrumentation 1 mm from the apex.