Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Protaper Universal Retreatment System, R-Endo System and Hedstrom File in Gutta...

The complete removal of residual filling materials from the root canal determines the success of root canal retreatment.

To evaluate and correlate the efficacy of ProTaper retreatment system, R-Endo retreatment system, and Hedstrom file in the removal of gutta-percha and sealer from root canal during endodontic retreatment in addition to the period desired for the elimination of gutta-percha and sealer.

Thirty extracted premolars were prepared and filled by cold lateral compaction with gutta-percha and sealer. Retreatment was finished with ProTaper retreatment files, R-Endo files, Hedstrom files with Endosolv E as the solvent for 10 specimens each. Each half of the root was imaged using the image analyzer software Chroma allied to a stereomicroscope with 10× magnification via a charge-coupled device sensor. For statistical analysis, parametric one-way ANOVA test and Scheffe post hoc multiple range test were utilized at a significance level of P < 0.05.

There is no significant difference among the three groups at P < 0.0001 in removing filling material. However, the rotary files needed significantly less time for removing gutta-percha along with sealer than H-file (P < 0.0001).

The gutta-percha and sealer were found in the root canal subsequent to all the retreatment techniques, especially in the apical third. Retreatment time was less only for the rotary system.