Evaluation of intracanal sealer distribution with 5 different obturation techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the distribution patterns of sealer relative to the gutta-percha and the canal wall following the use of different obturation techniques: vertical condensation, Obtura II, System B, SimpliFill, and Thermafil Plus; lateral condensation was used as a comparison. METHODS AND MATERIALS: One hundred five extracted single-rooted teeth were divided into 5 groups of 20 according to obturation technique, with 5 in the lateral condensation group. Instrumentation technique and sealer selection were based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Following obturation, teeth were stored for 4 months at 37 degrees C in 100% humidity. Roots were split longitudinally and halves were examined under a stereomicroscope (x 10) to determine the amount of sealer coverage between the gutta-percha and canal wall. Coverage was categorized as slight (0 to 1/3), low partial (1/3 to 2/3), high partial (2/3 to 9/10), and complete (9/10 to 10/10). RESULTS: Different techniques showed different patterns, but no obturation technique had sealer forming a continuous layer between the gutta-percha and canal wall. The vertical condensation group generally had low partial coverage. Obtura II was the only group to have slight coverage, which occurred in the coronal half. Coronal and apical halves in both the System B and Thermafil Plus groups had the most samples with high partial coverage. SimpliFill had the most samples with complete coverage in both the coronal and the apical portions. All lateral condensation samples showed low partial coverage. CONCLUSION: Sealer distribution patterns were incomplete and inconsistent, regardless of the obturation technique. No technique had sealer forming a continuous layer between the gutta-percha and canal wall.

Intracanal distribution patterns of sealers after lateral condensation.

The purpose of this study was to examine coverage patterns of sealer on canal walls and between gutta-percha cones after lateral condensation. Ninety extracted teeth with single canals were evenly and randomly divided into three sealer groups (Roth's, Sealapex, AH 26). Canals were cleaned and shaped, then coated with one of the three sealers followed by lateral condensation of gutta-percha. The teeth were placed into 100% humidity at 37 degrees C. After 4 months the roots were notched and fractured longitudinally and the dentin lifted to expose the gutta-percha sealer and dentin walls. Qualitative assessment was in the apical and coronal as to the amount and the pattern of sealer coverage. Coverage was categorized by the amount and location as follows: (a) no sealer; (b) slight-partial; (c) moderate-partial; or (d) complete coverage. Sealer was frequently absent between gutta-percha cones and the canal wall and at times absent between cones, with a general moderate-partial coverage. No sealer group demonstrated complete coverage; however, AH 26 showed more consistent moderate-partial distribution. Coverage was better in the coronal. In conclusion, none of the three sealers showed a continuous layer between the primary gutta-percha obturant and the canal wall or in spaces between cones.