Volumetric analysis of root canal fillings in primary teeth using spiral computed tomography: an in vitro study

The purpose of this study was to volumetrically analyze the efficacy of root canal fillings in primary teeth using spiral computed tomography (CT).

Root canals in 30 primary maxillary and mandibular molars were instrumented with K files to size 30, and the volumes of the canals were then measured using spiral CT. The teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 each, and 18 of the canals in each group were evaluated with spiral CT after obturation with zinc oxide eugenol paste, Metapex and Vitapex. The filled volume in each canal was mea- sured using spiral CT, and the percentage of obturated volume (POV) was calculated. The pre- and post-mean canal volume values within each group and the POV of the 3 groups were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and paired t tests.

Filler voids were seen in all groups, but there was a statistically significant difference (P <.001) in the calculated POV. Vitapex showed 95% POV compared to Metapex (88%) and ZOE (84%).

Voids were seen in all 3 filling materials. Vitapex showed the maximum percentage of obturated volume among the 3 groups.