Volumetric Evaluation of Different Obturation Techniques in Primary Teeth Using Spiral Computed Tomography

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Root canal obturation in primary teeth is crucial for maintaining space and function.
• Assessing obturation quality traditionally presents challenges in primary dentition.
• Spiral Computed Tomography (SCT) offers advanced 3D assessment capabilities in pediatric endodontics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of five distinct obturation techniques for primary teeth root canals.
• To quantify the Percentage of Obturated Volume (POV) using Spiral Computed Tomography (SCT).
• To identify the optimal obturation method for primary teeth.

Main Methods:

• Fifty primary teeth root canals were prepared and divided into five groups (n=10).
• Obturation was performed using Zinc Oxide Eugenol cement with five techniques: anesthetic syringe, tuberculin syringe, endodontic plugger, hand-held Lentulo-spiral, and machine-mounted Lentulo-spiral.
• Spiral Computed Tomography (SCT) was used to calculate pre- and post-obturation volumes and the Percentage of Obturated Volume (POV).

Main Results:

• The hand-held Lentulo-spiral technique demonstrated the highest Percentage of Obturated Volume (POV).
• The machine-mounted Lentulo-spiral, tuberculin syringe, and endodontic plugger showed progressively lower POV values.
• The anesthetic syringe yielded the lowest POV, with statistically significant differences between groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The hand-held Lentulo-spiral technique is the most effective method for obturating primary teeth root canals among those evaluated.
• Maximum filling of root canal spaces was achieved with the hand-held Lentulo-spiral.
• Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to validate these findings.