Effect of Different Obturation Techniques on the Prognosis of Endodontic Therapy: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Success of root canal therapy (RCT) is largely dependent upon the quality of biomechanical preparation and obturation of the pulp canal. Improperly cleaned or shaped root canal, regardless of the type of obturation method and obturating material, cannot lead to the success of endodontic therapy. Hence, we conducted a clinical comparative analysis of two obturating techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 140 patients receiving RCT at the department of Endodontic were included in the present study. The average follow-up time for the patients was 29 months (18-38 months). Patients were grouped into two depending on the type of obturating technique used. Evaluation of the clinical and radiographic follow-up records of the patients was done and analysis was made. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for assessing the level of significance. RESULTS: The average age of the patients undergoing obturation with carrier-based obturation (CO) technique and lateral compaction (LC) technique was 43 and 48 years respectively. While comparing failure and success of the teeth at the time of follow-up, nonsignificant results were obtained. Significant difference was seen, while comparing the presence of voids and type of teeth in which endodontic therapy was performed using different obturating techniques. CONCLUSION: Endodontic therapy done with LC obturating technique or with CO technique shows prognostic difference on the outcome or quality of treatment therapy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Quality of obturation is more important rather than type while performing endodontic therapy for better prognosis.