Remaining Root Filling Material in Oval Canals After Retreatment Using MicroMega Remover and Reciproc Blue Systems...

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Root canal filling material removal is crucial for endodontic retreatment success.
• Residual filling material can harbor bacteria and compromise treatment outcomes.
• Advanced retreatment techniques are continuously being evaluated for improved efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of Reciproc Blue (RB) and MicroMega Remover (MR) systems in removing root canal filling material.
• To assess the impact of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) on reducing remaining filling material (RFM).
• To utilize micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for quantitative 3D analysis of RFM.

Main Methods:

• Forty single-rooted mandibular premolars were prepared and obturated.
• Teeth were divided into four groups: RB, MR, RB + PUI, and MR + PUI (n=10).
• Micro-CT scans were performed before and after retreatment to quantify RFM, followed by statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in RFM was found between the RB (7.37%) and MR (7.31%) systems.
• Groups utilizing PUI demonstrated significantly lower RFM compared to those without PUI (p=0.001).
• Factorial analysis confirmed PUI as a significant factor in reducing RFM (p<0.001), independent of the file system used.

Conclusions:

• Reciproc Blue and MicroMega Remover systems exhibit comparable efficacy in root canal filling material removal.
• Passive ultrasonic irrigation significantly enhances the removal of remaining filling material during retreatment.
• Complete removal of filling material was not achieved, highlighting the need for further improvements in retreatment protocols.