Apical sealing using two thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques compared with lateral condensation

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Effective apical sealing is crucial for root canal treatment success.
• Comparing novel obturation techniques with traditional methods is essential for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the apical sealing capacity of three root canal filling techniques: multiphase gutta-percha, JS Quickfill, and lateral gutta-percha condensation.
• To evaluate the efficacy of newer thermoplasticized filling techniques in achieving a seal in root canals.

Main Methods:

• 70 maxillary incisors and canines underwent stepback preparation.
• Teeth were randomly assigned to three experimental groups (multiphase gutta-percha, JS Quickfill, lateral condensation) and two control groups.
• Apical sealing was assessed using India ink leakage, followed by demineralization, clearing, and stereomicroscopic examination.

Main Results:

• No India ink penetration was observed in specimens obturated with the multiphase gutta-percha system.
• Minimal leakage (one specimen each) was detected in the JS Quickfill and lateral condensation groups.
• No statistically significant differences in apical sealing were found among the tested obturation techniques.

Conclusions:

• The multiphase gutta-percha obturation system demonstrated excellent apical sealing.
• JS Quickfill and lateral gutta-percha condensation also provided effective apical sealing with minimal leakage.
• Thermoplasticized filling techniques are suitable for obturating large, straight root canals.