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.