Volumetric Evaluation of 5 Root Canal Obturation Methods in TrueTooth 3-dimensional-Printed Tooth Replicas Using Nano-computed Tomography

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the volumes of total obturation and voids in different obturation techniques using nano-computed tomographic imaging. The null hypothesis was that the obturation technique and the materials used have no effect on the total volume of obturation or the total volume of voids.

Methods: Fifty maxillary left central incisor 3-dimensional-printed replicas (TrueTooth; Dental Engineering Laboratories, Santa Barbara, CA) were instrumented and randomly assigned to 5 different obturation groups (n = 10): single cone with EndoSequence Gutta-Percha Points (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA) and Ribbon Sealer (Dentsply Sirona, Tulsa, OK) (SC1), single cone with BC 150 Series Gutta-Percha Points (Brasseler USA) and EndoSequence BC Sealer (Brasseler USA) (SC2), continuous wave with EndoSequence Gutta-Percha Points and Ribbon Sealer (CW), GuttaCore carrier obturation (Dentsply Sirona) and Ribbon Sealer (GC), and cold lateral condensation with EndoSequence Gutta-Percha Points and Ribbon Sealer (CL). After obturation, nano-computed tomographic images were obtained, and volumetric analysis was performed. Statistical analysis using 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The level of significance was set at 5% (P < .05).

Results: The 1-way ANOVA for total obturation indicated a statistically significant effect of group on obturation. Post hoc tests revealed a significant difference between the SC2, CW, and CL groups compared with the SC1 and GC groups. The 1-way ANOVA for calculated voids indicated a statistically significant effect of group on voids. Post hoc tests revealed significant differences between the SC1 group and the GC and CL groups.

Conclusions: This study concluded that obturation technique and the materials used significantly affect the total volume of obturation material and potential for voids.

Keywords: 3-dimensional analysis; TrueTooth, voids; nano–computed tomography; root canal obturation.