EVALUATION OF ENDODONTIC TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF VERTICAL CONDENSATION TECHNIQUE USING TOUCH’N HEAT DEVICE

Abstract

Background: One of the key factors in successful endodontic therapy is to adequately fill the root canals. Vertical condensation technique is regarded as a high probability of three-dimensional filling of root canal space which is required to achieve long-term success. Aim: To evaluate the endodontic treatment outcomes of vertical condensation technique using Touch’N Heat device. Subjects and methods: A prospective, descriptive study was conducted across two hospitals in Hue city from 11/2016 to 5/2017. All teeth were instrumented by manual Protaper files and obturated by the vertical condensation technique with Touch’N Heat device. The radiographic evaluation for initial assessment of obturation quality was performed. Evaluation of endodontic treatment outcomes in terms of clinical symptoms and radiographic assessment were recorded after 3-month follow-up. Results: A sample of 30 patients (with 39 incisors) from 13 to 73 years old was recruited. The principal reasons for visiting were pain (30.8%), decay (20.5%) or trauma (20.5%). Most patients seeked treatment at chronic stage of diseases with chronic pulpitis (38.4%) and chronic periapical periodontitis (30.8%). In radiographical quality of obturation, there were 27 (69.3%) fulllength obturated teeth, 8 (20.5%) overfilled teeth (sealer). The percentage of homogeneity of root canal filling was 82.1%. Over 82% patients (25 patients with 32 teeth) presented after there-months followup. Clinical assessment yeiled 30 (93.7%) “adequate” teeth, 2 (6.3%) “poor” teeth. Refer to radiographical assessment, the teeth were defined as “success”, “questionable” and “failure” (29 teeth (90.6%), 3 teeth (9.4%) and zero, respectively). Conclusions: The vertical condensation using Touch’N Heat device ensure the full-length obturation, high homogenetious root canal filling, and sucessful prognosis in clinical and radiographic outcomes. Key words: vertical condensation,Touch’N Heat, endodontic outcomes