Micro-Computed Tomography Assessment of the Quality of Obturation (Voids) of Single-Canal Maxillary Second Premolars by the Lateral Compaction Versus Continuous Warm Vertical Condensation Techniques

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: One of the most important stages of root canal treatment is obturation for the root canal, an obturation with less voids will have fewer treatment complications in the future.Purpose: This study was conducted to compare the quality of obturation of single-canal maxillary second premolars by the cold lateral compaction (CLC) versus continuous warm vertical condensation (CWVC) techniques using micro-CT.Materials and Method: In this experimental study, 36 extracted single-canal maxillary premolars were selected. The root canals were instrumented by Denco Blue rotary files. The teeth were randomly assigned to three groups (n=12) of control (no root filling), root canal obturation with CLC technique, and root canal obturation with CWVC technique. Next, they underwent micro-CT, and the mean volume and volume percentage (VP) of voids were calculated in the apical, middle, and coronal thirds of the root canals. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Bonferroni, Dunnett, Tukey, and independent t-tests (p Value 0.05). The lowest mean volume and VP of voids was recorded in the apical third in CWVC group (p< 0.05).Conclusion: None of the obturation techniques could provide a void-free root filling. Two techniques showed no significant difference regarding the mean volume and VP of voids in obturation of single-canal maxillary second premolars.

Keywords

• root canal therapy
• x-ray microtomography
• root canal obturation