Leakage evaluation with and without vacuum of two gutta-percha fill techniques.

Two sets of 30 roots were obturated either with lateral condensation or a halothane dip technique. Fifteen roots from each group were immersed in India ink with vacuum and 15 without vacuum. Each root was coated with nail polish and wax, leaving only its apical end open for ink penetration. The roots were cleared and three linear measurements were made: distance of ink penetration coronal to the gutta-percha apical tip; distance from the gutta-percha tip to major foramen; and distance from the major foramen to anatomical apex. The average length of ink penetration coronal to the apical extension of the gutta-percha for the lateral condensation groups combined was 1.33 mm and for the halothane groups combined was 2.15 mm. There was no significant difference between vacuumed and not vacuumed for degree of ink penetration. The gutta-percha of the halothane-dipped groups advanced significantly closer to the foramen than the lateral condensation groups (0.38 mm versus 0.65 mm).

Multidisciplinary restoration of fused maxillary incisors: a case report.

This case report describes the endodontic, periodontal, and restorative treatment of a maxillary incisor with unusual external and internal anatomy. The right central and lateral incisors had fused, resulting in an oversized unaesthetic central incisor. A small diastema was present between the fused central incisor and the canine. Since overpreparation of the tooth during restoration was anticipated, endodontic therapy was accomplished. Periodontal flap surgery provided an opportunity to reduce the root diameter and narrow the emergence profile of the tooth and to eliminate a plaque-retentive palatogingival groove. A cast post and core rigidly obturated the canal space and provided a preparation on which to fabricate a metal-ceramic restoration simulating the replacement of the right lateral incisor. The final restoration provided significant aesthetic improvement. The learning objective of this article is to familiarize the reader with multidisciplinary restorations.