Efficiency of Using Different Greater Taper Gutta-Percha Cones in Continuous Warm Vertical Condensation: An Ex Vivo Study

Abstract

The aim of this ex vivo randomized study is to evaluate the efficiency of gutta-percha cones that match a nickel-titanium instrumentation system and nonmatching greater taper cones, when used with continuous warm vertical condensation technique. Thirty-six straight canals were prepared using ProTaper Next files, and the apical third was obturated using either ProTaperNext cones (group A), ISO uniform greater taper cones (group B), or nonstandardized cones (group C). Cone adaptation time was quantified by the number of required modifications. Micro-computed tomography was used to measure voids and sealer percentage. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding void volume (p = 0.666), percentage (p = 0.379), and the number of modifications (p = 0.757). Sealer percentage, however, was significantly lower in group B when compared to group A (p = 0.0194). In straight canals, matching gutta-percha cones were not associated with significantly better obturation or saving time to fit the cone. Using gutta-percha cones that do not match a nickel-titanium instrumentation system to obturate the straight canals with continuous warm vertical condensation technique is as efficient as using matching cones in terms of obturation quality and ease of cone fit.