Effect of different rotary instrumentation techniques and thermoplastic filling on apical sealing

The aim of this study was to evaluate apical sealing after root canal treatment using two different rotary instrumentation techniques and two thermoplastic root canal filling techniques. The study was performed in 115 human extracted mandibular premolars. After coronary access the apical foramen was opened with a # 15 K file 1 mm beyond the apex. Cleaning and shaping was subsequently carried out at the working length, 1 mm from the apex, with ProFile .04/.06 system (Dentsply/Maillefer), Quantec (Analytic Endodontics/Kerr) or by the step-back technique with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution as irrigating solution. The root canals were filled with Thermafil (Dentsply/Maillefer) or Microseal (Analytic Endodontics/Kerr) or by lateral condensation technique using AH Plus sealer (epoxy type). The teeth were immersed in 2% methylene blue under vacuum. Then, they were longitudinally sectioned. The results showed that the association of Profile and Thermafil Plus provide the best results (p<0.05). In conclusion, the association of different rotary instrumentation techniques and different filling systems influenced the apical sealing.