Evaluation of apical filling after root canal filling by 2 different techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the percent gutta-percha-filled area in the apical third of root canals after filling with 2 different root filling techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty extracted human lower premolars were instrumented with ProTaper rotary files (Dentsply Maillefer) and then randomly divided into 2 groups of 15 teeth each. The first group was filled using the single-cone technique with a tapered gutta-percha cone. The second group was filled with the lateral condensation technique. Horizontal sections were cut 2 and 4 mm from the apical foramen of each tooth. Photomicrographs of the apical surface of each cross-section were obtained at magnification x40. Digital image analysis was used to measure the overall area of the canal and the aggregate area occupied by gutta-percha; from these values, the percent gutta-percha-filled area was calculated. The data were compared by t test. RESULTS: The single-cone technique produced significantly greater percent gutta-percha filled area at 2 mm from the apex (p = 0.046), but there was no significant difference between the techniques at 4 mm from the apex (p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the single-cone technique with tapered gutta-percha cones may yield better filling (measured as the percent gutta-percha-filled area) than the lateral condensation technique, at a level 2 mm from the apex.