Bypassing gutta-percha root fillings with an automated device

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Endodontic retreatment is crucial for persistent infections.
• Navigating curved, obturated root canals presents challenges.
• Gutta-percha removal efficiency impacts retreatment success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of Canal Finder K files and chloroform for bypassing gutta-percha in curved root canals.
• To evaluate the time efficiency and safety of the Canal Finder system.
• To analyze the impact on root canal anatomy during retreatment.

Main Methods:

• 106 gutta-percha-obturated, curved root canals were used (71 in vitro, 35 in vivo).
• Canal Finder K files and chloroform were employed to bypass the obturation.
• Time taken to bypass, apical transportation, and file integrity were recorded.

Main Results:

• Mean bypass times ranged from 19 to 32 seconds across groups.
• 89% of short obturations were successfully bypassed apically in vivo.
• Root canal curvature was maintained, with minimal apical transportation in two cases.
• File breakage occurred three times in vitro but did not impede retreatment.

Conclusions:

• The Canal Finder system is an efficient and effective "pathfinder" for endodontic retreatment.
• The technique demonstrates good control in maintaining root canal anatomy.
• The system offers advantages for clinical endodontic retreatment procedures.