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An assessment of the plastic Thermafil obturation technique

1993; Wiley; Volume: 26; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/j.1365-2591.1993.tb00790.x

1365-2591

James L. Gutmann, W. P. SAUNDERS, E. M. SAUNDERSz, L. NGUYEN,

Dental materials and restorations

Summary The short‐ and long‐term apical seal of root canals obturated with softened alpha‐phase gutta‐percha on plastic core‐carriers, Thermafil, was compared to that of laterally condensed, cold gutta‐percha. Fifty‐one roots from mandibular molars with separate canals, patent canal orifices and curvatures greater than 15 degrees were cleaned and shaped with K‐files and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite to a size 30 at the apex, and flared with Hedstrom files to create a continuously tapering funnel preparation. Canals were randomly obturated with Sealapex root canal sealer and either alpha‐phase gutta‐percha on a plastic Thermafil carrier, or standard beta‐phase gutta‐percha with lateral condensation. Teeth were separated into three groups of 17 each and placed in black India ink for 24 h, 7 days or after 5 months storage in water. The teeth were demineralized, rendered transparent, and apical microleakage determined by the linear measurement of dye penetration. Significant differences in microleakage were noted between the 24 h and 5‐month Thermafil groups ( P <0.05), 24‐h and 7‐day lateral condensation groups ( P <0.05), and 24‐h and 5‐month lateral condensation groups ( p <0.05). There were no significant difierencs between the two techniques at each time interval. It was concluded that both techniques demonstrated a significant increase in apical microleakage over a 5‐month period.