Comparison of Gutta-Percha Obturation Techniques in the Treatment of Wide Root Canals in Dogs

Abstract

An in vitro study was conducted to compare gutta-percha obturation techniques of the developing incisors in dogs. Two perpendicular radiographic views were used for evaluation of apical and overall appearance of root canal obturation. Apical leakage technique was used to evaluate ability of each method to provide adequate apical obturation. The endodontic technique utilizing warm vertical condensation with chemically softened guttapercha in the apical region provided the best radiographic appearance without apical dye leakage. The same vertical obturation technique without the use of chemically softened gutta-percha in the apical region showed 33% dye leakage incidence. Lateral obturation techniques provided the least qualitative radiographic appearance to the endodontic fill and dye leakage incidence. Results of evaluation of quality of apical obturation of root canals based on X-ray examination and apical dye leakage resulted in the following conclusions: lateral obturation techniques used in this study have their limitations resulting from typical root canal anatomy; vertical obturation techniques showed better hermetic apical sealing, mainly in the case of vertical condensation of the chemically softened gutta-percha in the apical part of the root canal.