Evaluation of various obturation techniques with bioceramic sealers in 3D-printed C-shaped canals.

This in vitro study compared various obturation techniques with bioceramic sealers for filling C-shaped 3D-printed replicas. A mandibular molar with a C-shaped root canal with a C1 configuration was obtained. After instrumenting with M3 Pro Gold files (United Dental, Shanghai, China) up to size #30/0.04, a CBCT scan of the tooth was taken. Sixty 3D-printed replicas of the tooth were created. The samples were obturated with EndoSeal TCS sealer (E. TCS; Maruchi, Wonju, Korea) or EndoSeal MTA (E. MTA; Maruchi, Wonju, Korea) (n = 30). The samples in each group were obturated with the following techniques (n = 10): (1) single-cone technique (SC), (2) SC with ultrasonic activation (UA), and (3) cold hydraulic compaction (CHC). Following incubation, the replicas' apical, middle, and coronal thirds were inspected under a digital microscope, and the proportion of filling material and void were calculated. Also, the obturation time and sealer extrusion were recorded. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, LSD post-hoc, and the chi-square tests (α = 0.05). The results indicated that in the apical third, E. TCS-SC, E. TCS-UA, and E. MTA-UA had the lowest void percentage among groups (p < 0.05). In the middle thirds, samples obturated with E. TCS-UA showed a significantly lower void percentage among all groups (p < 0.05). However, in the coronal third, E. TCS-CHC showed the least void percentage (p < 0.05), followed by E. TCS-UA and E. MTA-CHC. The E. TCS-SC and E. TCS-UA were the least time-consuming methods (p < 0.05). Sealer extrusion significantly differed among the groups, with E. MTA-UA and E. TCS-UA showing higher incidence (p = 0.019). It was concluded that E. TCS-UA was the most convenient obturation technique. However, care must be taken when obturating the canals with high flow and ultrasonic activation near the vital anatomical landmarks.

Endodontic treatment of a C-shaped mandibular second molar with narrow dentinal thickness: A case report.

Formulating an effective root canal treatment plan necessitates clinician awareness of the complexities of the root canal system and possible anatomic challenges. The C-shaped canal variation accompanying the radicular lingual groove makes the lingual dentinal wall so thin that cleaning and shaping of canals require accurate management. This report presents endodontic treatment of a C-shaped mandibular second molar diagnosed with pulpal necrosis and asymptomatic apical periodontitis, that initial radiographic assessment revealed extremely thin (0.3 mm) width of the lingual wall of the canals prone to perforation. Mechanical preparation was performed through the anti-curvature technique and basically by chemical irrigation rather than mechanical instrumentation. The C-shaped isthmus was prepared up to 25/02 rotary system without dentinal defect while maintaining adequate dentin thickness so as to not significantly reduce the strength of the root. Follow-up radiographs showed normal periodontal ligament and lamina dura indicating significant healing of the periapical lesion.

Root Canal Treatment of a Geminated Maxillary Second Molar with C-shaped Canal System: A Case Report.

Gemination is a rare phenomenon in the maxillary posterior teeth. Endodontic treatment of these teeth requires special care due to the bizarre anatomy particularly when it is accompanied by a C-shaped canal system. This report illustrates a patient with a rare geminated C-shaped maxillary second molar comprised of two sections in its crown, including a geminated section attached to a normal coronal of a second maxillary molar diagnosed with the pulpal status "necrosis" and "irreversible pulpitis" in geminated section and the molar respectively. Thus, endodontic treatment was performed on both parts of the tooth. Two months follow-up revealed well-functioning teeth with normal status of periapical tissue with no mobility or abnormality. Successful treatment of unusual anatomical teeth requires adherence to biomechanical principles of canal preparation and coronal restoration.