An evaluation of the sealing ability of different obturationand gutta-percha removal techniques (A ComparativeStudy)

Abstract

Background: Removing gutta-percha (GP) during post space preparation is common in dental practice. The aim ofthis study was to compare the effect of using two types of rotary instruments (peeso reamers and Core-Remover) forGP removal on the apical sealing ability of GP in three obturation techniques (lateral condensation, thermafil, andsoftcore) using dye penetration method.Materials and method: Sixty palatal roots of freshly extracted human maxillary first molars were sectioned andprepared with ProTaper manual system in crown-down manner to size F4.. Samples divided randomly into 3 groups(20 roots each) according to the method of obturation; group A: Lateral condensation, group B: Soft-Core andgroup C: Thermafil. All samples received GP removal after 7 days incubation (37˚C and 100% humidity) either usingPeeso reamer (groups A1, B1 and C1) or Core Remover (groups A2, B2 and C2) (10 roots each group). The sampleswere sealed coronally, immersed in Indian ink and incubated for a week. Roots were demineralized with a 5% nitricacid solution, cleared in methyl salicylate and examined using a stereomicroscope under 40X magnification withcalibrated grid to establish the degree of apical dye penetration in millimeters.Results: Data were collected and subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis (ANOVA and t-test) andthere was no significant difference between using peeso reamer and core remover.Conclusion: Apical sealing ability of remaining GP is less affected by the technique of GP removal