A Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Different Obturation Techniques used in Root Canal Treatment of Anterior Teeth: An in vitro Study

Abstract

Aim: This study was undertaken to evaluate the percentage of gutta-percha-filled area (PGFA) using microscopic analysis of the
cross-sections in the apical third of root canals when filled either with Thermafil technique, Warm Vertical Condensation technique
and Cold Lateral Condensation technique without using sealers.
Materials and Methods: Sixty single rooted extracted permanent teeth were collected. After crown amputation, the teeth were
randomly divided into three experimental groups of 20 specimens each. Group I—thermafil obturation technique, group II—warm
vertical condensation obturation technique and group III—cold lateral condensation obturation technique. Obturation was performed
by specific techniques without using sealers. After obturation, the teeth were cross-sectioned horizontally at 2 to 3 mm from apex with
the help of double sided diamond disk. Sections were digitally photographed and measured under Stereomicroscope at magnification
of 50×. Using a KS 100 imaging system the area of canals and the gutta-percha was recorded, also the percentage of gutta-percha
filled area (PGFA) was calculated. The observations thus obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA and student‘t’
test.
Results: Maximum group difference was observed between groups I and III (3.558 ± 0.138) while minimum difference was
observed between groups I and II (1.223 ± 0.137). Thus, all the between group differences were statistically significant.
Conclusion: This study supports the belief that the Thermafil Obturation technique produces significantly higher percentage of
gutta-percha filled area (PGFA) than the warm vertical condensation technique or cold lateral condensation technique.