Quality of Thermoplasticized and Single Point Root Fillings Assessed by Micro-computed Tomography

Aim: To evaluate ex vivo the quality of root fillings completed by two thermoplasticized gutta-percha techniques (Thermafil and System B) and a cold gutta-percha technique (single point) by μCT analysis.

Methodology: A total of 30 freshly extracted human single-rooted permanent teeth were selected. Root canals were prepared with ProTaper Universal instruments and then randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) depending on the filling technique. In group 1, canals were filled with a single-point technique; group 2 was filled with Thermafil; in group 3 System B was used. In group 1 and group 3, the root filling was performed using ProTaper Universal gutta-percha points, in group 2 Thermafil obturators were used; AH-Plus sealer was used in all groups. Assessment of the root filling was carried out by μCT, using a desktop X-ray micro focus CT scanner. Percentage of root canal filling materials and voids was calculated for each specimen. Data were statistically analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.05).

Results: Mean percentages of filling materials were 98.379 ± 1.204 in the single-point group, 99.023 ± 1.457 in Thermafil group, and 98.167 ± 3.432 in System B group. No statistically significant difference was found amongst the groups.

Conclusion: All techniques produced comparable results in terms of percentage of filling and void distribution.