Influence of the method in root canal filling using active lateral compaction techniques

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Root canal obturation quality is crucial for endodontic treatment success.
• Lateral compaction is a common technique for filling root canals with gutta-percha.
• Different methods of lateral compaction may influence obturation quality and procedure time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the obturation quality and time efficiency of manual, mechanical, and ultrasonic lateral compaction techniques.
• To evaluate sealer penetration and void formation in root fillings using different lateral compaction methods.

Main Methods:

• Thirty human single-rooted teeth were prepared and obturated using ProTaper instruments and AH Plus sealer with lateral compaction.
• Teeth were divided into manual, mechanical, and ultrasonic lateral compaction groups (n=10 each).
• Obturation quality was assessed using stereomicroscopy and confocal laser microscopy after sectioning at 2, 4, and 6 mm from the apex.

Main Results:

• The mechanical method was significantly faster than the manual method for lateral compaction.
• No significant differences in sealer penetration were observed among the groups.
• The mechanical method resulted in a higher percentage of gutta-percha and less sealer at the 4 mm level compared to the manual method.
• Void areas were similar across all three compaction methods.

Conclusions:

• The mechanical method offers the most time-efficient approach for lateral compaction in root canal obturation.
• While the mechanical method may improve gutta-percha density, all evaluated methods resulted in comparable void formation.
• Further research may explore modifications to enhance void reduction across all lateral compaction techniques.