Radiographic evaluation of extruded obturation materials

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Radiology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Root canal obturation aims to seal the root canal system.
• Extrusion of filling materials into periradicular tissues can occur.
• The long-term fate of extruded materials is of clinical interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the radiographic changes of extruded root canal filling materials over time.
• To determine the resorption rate of zinc oxide and eugenol-based sealers and gutta-percha in periradicular tissues.

Main Methods:

• Radiographic assessment of extruded filling materials.
• Comparison of immediate postoperative radiographs with serial recall radiographs up to 6.5 years.
• Evaluation of two specific zinc oxide and eugenol-based sealers.

Main Results:

• Consistently less extruded material was observed at successive postoperative periods.
• Zinc oxide and eugenol-based sealers showed evidence of removal from periradicular tissues over time.
• Sealer removal from periradicular tissues occurred more rapidly than gutta-percha removal.

Conclusions:

• Extruded zinc oxide and eugenol-based root canal sealers are resorbed from periradicular tissues over time.
• The resorption of sealer material is a time-dependent process.
• Sealers are resorbed more quickly than gutta-percha, suggesting differential tissue response.