Obturating the pink tooth: An in vitro comparative evaluation of different materials

Abstract

Aim: The aim is to evaluate the obturating potential of thermoplasticized gutta-percha, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and Biodentine in simulated internal resorption cavities. Materials and Methods: Thirty human extracted teeth with single canal and mature apex were collected for the study. Access cavity was prepared in each. For all the teeth, standardized instrumentation was done to apical size of ISO #50 K stainless steel hand file. Following instrumentation, at the length of 6 mm short of working length, internal resorption cavity was simulated using Gates–Glidden drill, as the canal of the selected teeth was wide enough and thus widening of the canal occurred only at the desired working length. The teeth were radiographed to check internal resorption cavity. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups; ten teeth in each group. Samples were obturated as follows: Group 1 – thermoplasticized gutta-percha, Group 2 – MTA, and Group 3 – Biodentine. Samples were stored at room temperature for 48 h. After 48 h, samples were evaluated radiographically and microscopically using Dental Operating Microscope. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: Results obtained were statistically significant. Conclusion: MTA and Biodentine showed better sealing than thermoplasticized gutta-percha.