[Retrograde root filling utilizing resin and a dentin bonding agent: frequency of healing when compared to retrograde...

Gluma, an aqueous solution containing 5% glutaraldehyde and 35% HEMA, may bond resin chemically to dentin with considerable strength and without cracks. In retrograde root filling, Gluma and resin (retroplast), can adhere to a flat or slightly concave root surface, so that it may be employed to otherwise inaccessible roots. Gluma may cause toxic reactions, but properly used, it is tolerated well. Of 400 consecutive cases with retroplast, 388 were controlled (99 front teeth, 86 premolars and 203 molars) up to 1 year after operation. The healing after these was compared with a series of retrograde amalgams with the same number and distribution in the various tooth types 1 year postoperatively. The result after retroplast was 74% complete healing, 4% fibrous healing, 15% uncertain and 7% failures. After retrograde amalgam 59% complete healing, 3% fibrous healing, 30% uncertain and 8% failures. Complete healing occurred significantly more often after retroplast than after amalgam (P less than 0.00005). After retroplast significantly fewer cases with complete healing occurred in lower front teeth than in other tooth types. There were no significant differences in the occurrence of postoperative complications after retroplast and amalgam. There were two patients with serious osteitis after retroplast.