Flowable Urethane Dimethacrylate-Based Filler for Root Canal Obturation in Primary Molars: A Pilot SEM and microCT...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Pulpectomy in deciduous teeth requires root canal debridement and obturation.
• EndoREZ (ER) is a urethane dimethacrylate-based root canal filler suitable for permanent and primary teeth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the behavior of EndoREZ (ER) as a root canal filler in primary molars after physiological root resorption.
• To compare the resorption rates of ER and root dentin using advanced imaging techniques.

Main Methods:

• Utilized scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the microstructure of ER post-resorption.
• Employed micro-computed tomography (µCT) to assess resorption levels of both root tissue and the ER material.
• Examined two naturally exfoliated primary second lower molars filled with ER.

Main Results:

• SEM revealed a non-uniform, porous, and lacunary structure of ER, mimicking resorbed dentin surfaces.
• µCT demonstrated varying degrees of resorption between the root structure and the ER material.
• ER exhibited a faster resorption rate compared to the surrounding root tissues.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary observations suggest EndoREZ (ER) may be a suitable root canal filling material for primary teeth due to its resorption profile.
• Further research is necessary to substantiate these initial findings and confirm ER's efficacy in deciduous pulpectomy.