Three-dimensional assessment of obturation volume in lateral canals after three obturation techniques with bioceramic...

This study aimed to evaluate the obturation ability of simulated lateral canal in mandibular premolars at three levels (3, 5, and 7 mm) from the apex using gutta-percha and BC Sealer HiFlow (BCHiF) with different obturation techniques, including continuous wave compaction (CWC), cold lateral condensation (CLC), and single cone (SC) techniques, by a 3D assessment method of the obturation volume with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and MIMICS software analysis.

Thirty intact human mandibular premolars were decoronated, instrumented up to #30 taper 4%, and uniformly irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. Six simulated lateral canals (3 pairs) were prepared at 3, 5, and 7 mm from the apex in each root, using #10 modified C-file. CBCT images were obtained, and lateral canal volumes were calculated using MIMICS software. The samples were divided into three groups: CWC (n = 10), CLC (n = 10), and SC (n = 10). All groups were obturated with BCHiF and gutta-percha. Another CBCT image was taken post-obturation, and 3D lateral canal obturation volume percentages were calculated using MIMICS software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with One-way ANOVA and Sidak tests (α = 0.05).

Significant differences were observed in the 3D lateral canal obturation volume percentage at all three levels (P < 0.05). Both CWC and CLC techniques demonstrated higher 3D lateral canal obturation volume percentages ( $$  = 89.64% and $$   =  73.28%; respectively) compared to the SC group) $$   =  43.10%).

BCHiF combined with the CWC technique has a higher ability to achieve preferable 3D obturation volume in the simulated lateral canal at 3, 5, and 7 mm.

In cases requiring endodontic treatment with lateral canals, the CWC obturation technique using BCHiF with gutta-percha may offer better outcomes compared to other obturation techniques.