Obturation quality utilizing ultrasonic cleaning and sealer placement followed by lateral condensation with...

The quality of canal obturation utilizing ultrasonic or hand instrument sealer placement followed by lateral condensation with gutta-percha was investigated. This in vitro study using the mesial roots of human mandibular molars showed the ultrasonic method of sealer placement resulted in a more thorough coverage of canal walls than when the sealer was placed with hand instruments. The difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.005). Ultrasonic sealer placement may be safely and effectively utilized when obturating a complex root canal system.