Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of sealing ability of root canals with various obturation techniques

Abstract

The three dimensional obturation of root canal system is the key factor for successful endodontic therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the obturation of main canal using various obturation techniques : cold lateral, warm lateral and warm vertical condensation. Freshly extracted anterior teeth with a single patent canal were selected and prepared. They were divided into two groups - (1) Control (2) Experimental. Group 2 was subdivided into three according to the obturation technique used. Teeth were obturated using gutta percha and zinc oxide eugenol sealer, horizontally sectioned and prepared for Scanning Electron Microscopic evaluation. Warm lateral condensation showed the best results in the apical one-third area, where no gap was observed.The gap in the coronal one third segment was minimum using vertical condensation technique.