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Time Required to Retreat Carrier-Based Obturation: Comparison Between Two Techniques at Two Levels of Experience
Matteo Salvadori1, Elisabetta Audino1, Miriam Facchinetti1
1Department of Medical and Surgery Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, School of Dentistry, Brescia University, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
Dentistry Journal
|March 27, 2026
Summary
Operator experience significantly impacts Thermafil obturator removal time. While both braiding and Reciproc techniques are effective, Reciproc aids novice operators more than manual instrumentation.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Thermafil obturators are commonly used in root canal filling.
- Retreatment of Thermafil obturators can be challenging.
- Operator experience is a potential factor influencing retreatment efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the braiding technique and Reciproc for Thermafil obturator removal.
- To evaluate the influence of operator experience on removal time.
- To assess performance in natural teeth and 3D-printed models.
Main Methods:
- Sixty natural single-rooted teeth and sixty 3D-printed teeth were obturated with Thermafil.
- Retreatment was performed by an experienced and a novice operator using braiding or Reciproc techniques.
- Removal time was recorded under a dental operating microscope.
Main Results:
- Both techniques showed high success rates in removing Thermafil carriers.
- Experienced operators were significantly faster than novice operators in natural teeth.
- In 3D-printed teeth, Reciproc was faster than braiding for both operators, and braiding was faster for novices.
Conclusions:
- Braiding and Reciproc are effective for Thermafil retreatment in straight, round canals.
- Operator experience is a critical factor affecting removal time.
- Reciproc may be particularly beneficial for novice operators in Thermafil retreatment.
