Bi-directional spiral compared to traditional sealer placement techniques

Abstract

An in-vitro study was carried out to investigate four methods of sealer placement- gutta percha point, file, lentulo spiral and bi-directional spiral to evaluate the location of sealer after obturation with lateral condensation and difference in sealer coverage among the four sealer placement techniques. Forty four freshly extracted human anterior teeth having straight and single canal and fully developed apices were selected. Canals were prepared by step back method and obturated using lateral condensation technique.The teeth were divided into four experimental groups depending upon the sealer placement technique. All the specimens were decalcified in 5% nitric acid solution. After dehydration in increasing grades of alcohol, they were placed in methyl salicylate for clearing. Stereomicroscopic evaluation of the specimen showed that bidirectional spiral- a recent innovation in sealer placement method-exhibited least sealer coverage. But its use showed better chance to fill accessory and lateral canals and prevented apical extrusion of the sealer.