Comparison between gutta-percha and resin-coated gutta-percha using different obturation techniques

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Root canal obturation is critical for endodontic treatment success.
• Gutta-percha (GP) with AH Plus sealer is a common obturation method.
• Alternative materials like resin-coated GP (RCGP) with EndoREZ® sealer aim to improve obturation quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the obturation quality of RCGP/EndoREZ® sealer versus GP/AH Plus sealer.
• To evaluate the percentage of core filling material in root canals using different obturation techniques.

Main Methods:

• Ninety mandibular premolars were divided into two groups: GP/AH Plus and RCGP/EndoREZ®.
• Each group used cold lateral compaction (CLC), warm lateral compaction (WLC), or single cone (SC) techniques.
• Sections at 1, 3, 6, and 9 mm were analyzed using a stereomicroscope and specialized software to quantify core filling material.

Main Results:

• The RCGP/EndoREZ® group showed a significantly higher percentage of core filling material than the GP/AH Plus group across all tested levels and techniques.
• This superiority was particularly notable at the 1- and 3-mm levels with CLC, and at the 1-, 3-, and 9-mm levels with WLC.
• With the SC technique, RCGP/EndoREZ® consistently yielded a greater percentage of core filling material at all measured depths.

Conclusions:

• Resin-coated gutta-percha combined with EndoREZ® sealer provides superior root canal filling compared to gutta-percha with AH Plus sealer.
• The enhanced core filling percentage achieved with RCGP/EndoREZ® suggests improved sealing potential in endodontic therapy.