Comparison of the percentage of gutta-percha-filled area obtained by Thermafil and System B

Aust Endod J. 2007 Aug;33(2):55-61. doi: 10.1111/j.1747-4477.2007.00047.x.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of gutta-percha-filled area (GPFA) obtained by Thermafil and System B techniques using light microscopy and digital image processing. Forty-five human mandibular first molars were prepared and obturated as follows: Group 1: lateral condensation (n = 15); Group 2: System B (n = 15); and Group 3: Thermafil system (n = 15). Horizontal sections were cut 4 and 6 mm from the apical foramen of each tooth. The samples were metallographically prepared and taken through photomicrographs. Using digital analysis, the cross-sectional area of the canal and the gutta-percha areas were measured. The GPFA data obtained for the three groups were analysed using the non-parametric Friedman and Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks tests. Significant differences were found between Group 3 and Group 2-Group 1. No significant difference was found between Group 2 and Group 1. The Thermafil system produced significantly higher GPFAs than lateral condensation and System B techniques (P < 0.01). This result suggests that the Thermafil system can reduce sealer and voids.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Dental Pulp Cavity / anatomy & histology*
  • Gutta-Percha / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Materials Testing
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Molar
  • Root Canal Filling Materials / chemistry*
  • Root Canal Obturation / instrumentation
  • Root Canal Obturation / methods*
  • Root Canal Preparation / methods
  • Surface Properties
  • Time Factors
  • Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement / chemistry

Substances

  • Root Canal Filling Materials
  • Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement
  • Grossman's sealer
  • Endo-Fill
  • Gutta-Percha