External root surface temperature changes during high-temperature injectable thermoplasticized root canal obturation in simulated immature teeth

Abstract

Introduction: The present study evaluated the change in the temperature of the external root surface of simulated immature teeth obturated with high-temperature injectable thermoplasticized gutta-percha. Materials and Methods: Root canals of 60 mandibular premolars were enlarged till size # 6 peeso freely passed through the apex. After placement of an apical barrier of 4 mm of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), two K-type thermocouples were attached at middle and apical thirds. The canals were obturated using high-temperature injectable thermoplasticized gutta-percha with either no sealer; AH plus sealer; or MTA Fillapex sealer. Maximum temperature rise was measured and evaluated. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA test. Results: The temperature increased after 4 s of placement of heated gutta-percha. There was no significant effect of sealer placement on the peak rise in temperature at the middle third (P Conclusions: The use of thermoplasticized gutta-percha can significantly increase the temperatures on the external root surface.