Comparative Evaluation of the Percentage of Gutta-percha Filled Areas in Canals Obturated with Different Obturation Techniques.

AIM: To evaluate the percentage of gutta-percha filled areas (PGFA) in canals obturated with guttacore system, single cone, and lateral compaction techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 single-rooted mandibular premolars were selected and randomly divided into three equal groups depending on the type of obturation technique used. After the obturation, the samples were marked at 2, 4, 6, and 8 mm distance from the apex and sectioned horizontally, and viewed under a stereomicroscope at 25×. The area of the canal and of the filling material was recorded, and the percentage of filling material on the canal wall was calculated. RESULTS: Guttacore showed the highest percentage of root-filled areas followed by single cone and lateral compaction techniques at 2, 4, 6, and 8 mm from the apex. CONCLUSION: None of the filling techniques used in the study was completely able to fill the root canals with gutta-percha and sealer. The guttacore system had a maximum area of root canals filled as compared to the single cone and lateral compaction system. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Root canals are mostly oval, elongated, or irregularly shaped rather than being completely round. Hence, the obturation technique that fills the maximum area of the root canal must be selected according to the given clinical circumstances.

Evaluation of Cyclic Fatigue of Hyflex EDM, Twisted Files, and ProTaper Gold Manufactured with Different Processes: An In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: The main aims of root canal instrumentation are to provide an environment that will lead to healing and to provide a root canal shape that is comfortable to clean and seal. When working with rotary endodontic instruments, the most significant concerns are that the instrument might fracture in the root canal, thus affecting the treatment outcome. Hence, it is of immense importance to know which file systems have more cyclic fatigue resistance. Methodology. This study evaluated the effect of the curved segment length of the artificial canal (the arch), and the number of cycles necessary in fracture of Hyflex EDM, Twisted files, and ProTaper Gold were recorded. Sixty NiTi rotary instruments of 25 mm length (Hyflex EDM (20), Twisted files (20), and ProTaper Gold (20)) were tested in a metal block with simulated canal having 90° angle of curvature. The study was performed with a specific radius and degree of curvature, i.e., 8 mm radius and 90° angle of curvature, and data obtained were subsequently subjected to statistical evaluation using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULT: The Hyflex EDM (774.29) exhibited the maximum cyclic fatigue resistance compared to Twisted files (654.875) and ProTaper Gold (375.575). A statistically significant difference was observed between the tested groups. CONCLUSION: The Hyflex EDM files showed the highest cyclic fatigue resistance, followed by Twisted files and ProTaper Gold files.