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The quality of Thermafil obturations with different final apical tapers: a three-dimensional microcomputed
Carla Zogheib1, Alfred Naaman, Etienne Medioni
1Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry Saint-Joseph University, 1104 2020 Beirut, Libanon. zogheibcarla@gmail.com
Aim:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of final canal taper on the sealing ability of Thermafil by using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT).
Materials And Methods:
Fifty-four single-rooted teeth were instrumented to apical size 40 taper 4, 6 and 8%. Teeth were divided into three groups. All teeth were filled with Thermafil (Dentsply,Tulsa Dental Products). Using micro-CT, roots were scanned and volume measurements of voids at 1, 3 and 5 mm from the apex were calculated using specialized CT software. Measurements were analyzed statistically with ANOVA followed by Bonferroni multiple comparison correction.
Results:
Data analysis showed that 0.08 preparations provided better results than 0.06 and 0.04% tapered samples especially at 1 mm from the apex. Mean percentage of voids were significantly higher with Thermafil taper 0.06% (p = 0.05). None of the root canals filled teeth were gap free. Root canal preparations with bigger taper exhibited less voids than smaller tapered preparations.
Clinical Significance:
In our daily practice, enlarging the apical third (last 3 mm) of root canals to an 8% taper gives a better sealing ability and thus long-term success for our root canal obturations.
