Evaluation of the influence of dentin on radiopacity of retrograde filling materials : An In-vitro study

Abstract

Aim: To assess and compare the influence of dentin on radiopacities of five retrograde filling materials and subjecting the samples to radiographic interpretation by various endodontists. Materials and Methodology: Fifty extracted incisors for non endodontic reasons were selected and sectioned to standardize the working length to 16mm.Root canal treatment was done and rootend resection was carried out with a fissure bur under constant water spray. 3mm deep cavities were prepared on the resected root with a straight fissure bur. Samples were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1- Amalgam, Group 2- GIC, Group 3- MTA (Mineral trioxide aggregate), Group 4- Biodentin, Group 5- Thermoplasticized gutta percha. Retrograde filling was done in the prepared cavities and also packed into plastic straws. Samples were stored at 100% humidity for 24 hrs and the radiodensity was measured using a radiodensity tool.The digitized images were selected randomly and a questionnaire was prepared using google form. This form was circulated among the endodontists and the responses were recorded. The data was Statistically analyzed using one way analysis of variance and post hoc tukey test. Results: Dentin did not show any influence on the radioopacity of root end filling materials amalgam (P-1.00), thermoplasticized gutta-percha (P- 0.18). radiopacity was significantly reduced for GIC (P- 0.01), MTA (P < 0.001), Biodentin (P- 0.02) Radiodensity of amalgam was highest compared to all other groups tested, and biodentin was found to exhibit lowest radiodensity. 92% of participants interpreted amalgam, 80% interpreted biodentin, 67% identified thermoplasticized gutta-percha, 50% identified MTA and GIC correctly. Conclusion: The root end filling materials showed varying degree of radiopacity. More number of endoodntists were able to identify amalgam and biodentin correctly. Radiopacity was significantly reduced for GIC, MTA, Biodentin when placed as root end filling materials. Keywords: Apicoectemy, Radiopacifiers, Root-end filling materials, radiodensity tool.