Efficacy, cleaning ability and safety of different devices for gutta-percha removal in root canal retreatment

Effectiveness of H-files and Pro-Taper universal systems in removing Gutta-percha during endodontic retreatment: A comparative study

Objective

This research was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of manual H-files versus a combination of a Pro-Taper universal rotary canal preparation system and retreatment system in removing gutta-percha (GP) during endodontic retreatment, by using a digital radiography technique.

Methods

This ex vivo study used a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. The study sample comprised 60 extracted anterior permanent teeth, each with one root with a straight root canal (RC). After preparation, RCs were obturated with GP and sealer. Subsequently, teeth were stored for 2 weeks in a humid environment at 37 °C. Thirty teeth each were randomly assigned to the control (group I), and experimental (group II) groups. GP removal was performed with H-files {group I) or a combination of a Pro-Taper universal rotary canal preparation system and retreatment system (group 2). Digital radiographs were acquired with Carestream digital radiovisiography software (Kodak; version-VER.6.10.8.3-A), and the presence of residual GP was analyzed. AutoCAD (2006) software was used to demarcate the RC and residual root filling. The residual GP in both groups was compared with independent sample t-tests.

Results

The remaining root filling did not significantly differ when GP was removed with conventional Hedstrom files versus a combination of Pro-Taper Universal preparation and retreatment file systems. The residual GP was confined to the apical third of the canals in both groups.

Conclusions

Pro-Taper Universal preparation and retreatment file systems have similar effectiveness to manual H-files in GP removal in straight canals.

Critical analysis of research methods and experimental models to study removal of root filling materials

Despite enjoying high favourable outcome rates, root canal treatment is not always successful. Root canal retreatment is a widely practised option for managing a non-healing root treated tooth. A basic distinction between retreatment and initial treatment is the requirement to remove the existing root filling material occupying the root canal space. Only then, can the technical deficiencies and possible causes of failure be addressed. Hence, the successful removal of the root filling material is critical to achieving the objectives of retreatment. Many different materials and techniques have been used for root canal filling, which have been documented in a plethora of studies; these are mainly laboratory studies investigating the removal of root filling materials. To help guide future research, which may then better inform clinical practice in relation to retreatment procedures, the focus of this narrative review is on the research methods and experimental models employed to study the removal of root filling materials. The current available literature demonstrates great variation in the research methodologies used to study the removal of root filling material, including direct visualization by splitting tooth samples or clearing, three-dimensional radiographic imaging including using microcomputed tomography or cone-beam computed tomography, and a combination of these techniques. Depending on the research method employed, variation also exists in quantification of root filling material removal; these include measurements of surface area, volume or weight, and criteria-based (semi-quantitative) assessment. Experimental models, using human teeth or resin models, differ with respect to standardization techniques and replication of the clinical scenario including initial sample preparation, canal filling, allocation and technical aspects of retreatment procedures. Future models should replicate, as closely as possible, the clinical scenario. Currently, microcomputed tomography provides a highly detailed, non-invasive and non-destructive method of objectively assessing and quantifying root filling removal.

Comparative Assessment of Canal Transportation, Dentin Loss, and Remaining Root Filling Material by Different Retreatment Files An In vitro Cross-Sectional Study

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the centering ability, canal transportation and efficacy of re-treatment rotary and hand files in removing Gutta Percha from root canals using Cone Beam Computed Tomography(CBCT).

Materials and Methods:

Sixty extracted human maxillary anteriors were obturated and randomly divided into three groups. Root fillings were removed with ProTaper Universal retreatment system, R-Endo system, and Hedstrom files. CBCT scans were taken.

Statistical Analysis and Results:

The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 15.0, IBM). The mean and standard deviation among the groups was calculated by one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann– Whitney U-tests, and the comparison among the various groups was done by post hoc Tukey's test. A statistically significant amount of remaining root canal filling material and canal transportation was noted (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

No system completely removed the root filling material from root canals. Manual instrumentation resulted in more dentin loss and canal transportation than rotary file system.

Efficacy of Removing Thermafil and GuttaCore from Straight Root Canal Systems Using a Novel Non-Surgical Root Canal Re-Treatment System: A Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis

The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an XP-endo non-surgical root canal re-treatment system in removing both GuttaCore and Thermafil gutta-percha carrier-based root canal filling materials from straight root canal systems using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. The study was performed on 20 single-rooted upper teeth, which were randomly allocated into the following study groups: Group A, Thermafil and AH Plus sealer (n = 10); Group B, GuttaCore and AH Plus sealer (n = 10). Before and after the non-surgical root canal re-treatment procedure, the samples were submitted for a micro-CT analysis. The volume of the root canal filling material (mm³), the volume of the remaining root canal filling material (mm³) and the time (minutes) needed to remove the root canal filling material were also recorded. Student's t-test was used to analyze the results. No statistically significant differences were found between the volume of the remaining root canal filling material in the GuttaCore and Thermafil root canal filling systems at the coronal third (p = 0.782), middle third (p = 0.838) or apical third (p = 0.882) of the straight root canal systems; however, the GuttaCore required a statistically significant (p = 0.037) shorter amount of time (4.72 ± 0.76 min) to be removed than the Thermafil carrier-based root canal filling material (5.92 ± 1.42 min). The XP-endo Finisher non-surgical endodontic re-treatment system removes both GuttaCore and Thermafil gutta-percha carrier-based root canal filling materials from straight root canal systems, although removal of the GuttaCore gutta-percha carrier-based root canal filling material required less time.

The Efficacy of Rotary, Reciprocating, and Combined Non-Surgical Endodontic Retreatment Techniques in Removing a Carrier-Based Root Canal Filling Material from Straight Root Canal Systems: A Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis

The aim of this study is to analyze and compare the efficacy of three non-surgical endodontic retreatment techniques in removing a carrier-based root canal filling material from straight root canal systems. The study was performed on 99 single-rooted extracted teeth using the ProTaper Gold endodontic rotary system up to the F2 file (Dentsply Maillefer, Baillagues, Switzerland), which were sealed with GuttaCore (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and AH plus epoxy resin sealer (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany) and randomly assigned to the following non-surgical retreatment techniques: ProTaper Retreatment endodontic rotary instruments (D1–D3 files, Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland; n = 33, PTR), Reciproc Blue endodontic reciprocating instrument (R50, VDW, Munich, Germany; n = 33, RCB50), and a combined root canal retreatment technique between Gates-Glidden drills (sizes #3 and #2, Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and Hedstrom files (file size 35, 30, and 25, Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland; n = 33; H-GG). All of the teeth were submitted twice to a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scan, before and after non-surgical endodontic retreatment procedures. The volume of root canal filling material (mm³), volume of remaining root canal filling material (mm³), non-surgical endodontic retreatment working time (min), proportion of remaining root canal filling material (%), and efficacy of root canal filling material removal between the non-surgical endodontic retreatment techniques were analyzed using ANOVA one-way statistical analysis. Statistically significant differences were observed between the proportions of remaining root canal filling material of PTR and H-GG (p = 0.018), between the non-surgical endodontic retreatment working times (min; p < 0.001), and between the efficacies of root canal filling material removal by the non-surgical endodontic retreatment techniques (p = 0.009). However, the non-surgical endodontic retreatment systems allow for similar carrier-based root canal filling material removal.

Comparative evaluation of three different rotary instrumentation systems for removal of gutta-percha from root canal during endodontic retreatment: An in vitro study

Context:

Endodontic retreatment is performed in teeth with endodontic failures. The main goal of retreatment is cleaning and shaping of the root canal with removal of old root filling material. Hand instruments and rotary instruments are mainly used for removing this filling material.

Aim of Study:

To compare the relative efficacy of three rotary instrumentation systems for removal of gutta-percha from root canal during endodontic retreatment.

Objective of Study:

To find out which NiTi system is more efficacious in retreatment and to check out the efficacy of retreatment with and without use of solvent.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty freshly extracted, single-rooted human mandibular premolars were instrumented with K-files, and each root canal was filled with gutta-percha and AH Plus (Dentsply Detrey, Konstanz, Germany) sealer using lateral compaction. Specimens were then divided into three experimental groups with twenty specimens each. Groups were then subdivided into ten specimens each. Groups were then retreated either with or without solvent. The removal of gutta-percha was performed using ProTaper retreatment files, Mtwo retreatment files, and R-Endo files after 2 weeks. The amount of root canal filling material remnant in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds was measured using stereomicroscope and computer image analysis program.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Data were evaluated statistically using analysis of variance.

Results:

ProTaper group was found to have less remnant filling material as compared to the other groups in coronal and middle thirds, but a significant difference was observed between ProTaper and Mtwo and Mtwo and R-Endo in the nonsolvent groups (P < 0.05). Mtwo group demonstrated less amount of remaining filling material in the nonsolvent group.

Conclusions:

Both nickel–titanium systems and ProTaper and Mtwo retreatment file systems, were found to be effective in the removal of root canal filling material. However, complete removal of gutta-percha from root canals did not occur with any of the experimental groups.

Using erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser irradiation in different energy output levels versus ultrasonic in removal of root canal filling materials in endodontic retreatment

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation in different energy outputs versus ultrasonic in gutta-percha removal during the endodontic retreatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 21 extracted human lower premolars were divided into three groups (n = 7). Following the standardized preparation of the root canals with Wave One Rotary system and obturation with gutta-percha: Group I was treated with ultrasonic, Group II by Er:YAG laser with 40 mJ/Pulse, and Group III by Er:YAG laser with 50 mJ/Pulse for the removal of gutta-percha from the canals. Two extra teeth were treated by Er:YAG laser with 135 mJ/Pulse as control group. For all groups, time for gutta-percha removal was recorded. Samples were then splited into two halves and tested by scanning electron microscope and stereomicroscopic evaluation under different magnification power to observe the efficacy of each method used in the removal of gutta-percha.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis of Kruskal-Wallis suggested that there are significant difference between the groups in relation to removal time (P < 0.05) and 2 × 2 Mann-Whitney U-test among the groups revealed that there is no significant difference between 40 and 50 mJ laser outputs (P > 0.05), but ultrasonic versus 40 and/or 50 mJ laser outputs were significantly different (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Er:YAG laser beam was not so efficient when compared to ultrasonic to reach the deeper parts of the canals as it was asserted, thermal side effects and burning damages were observed on the root canal dentinal walls. Moreover, the delivery system was not flexible enough to compensate the curvature of the canal system even though we used more straight canals as the sample ones as well as more time-consuming than the ultrasonic and more clinical time, rendering it to be less efficient in the removal of the obturation material during endodontic retreatment procedures.

A comparative evaluation of two rotary Ni-Ti instruments in the removal of gutta-percha during retreatment

AIM

The purpose of this study is to achieve an effective method to remove root canal filling material from the root canal system. The study, thus, aims to evaluate the efficacy of the cleaning ability of two different rotary Ni-Ti systems; ProTaper Retreatment files and RaCe System compared to hand instrumentation with Hedstrom files for the removal of gutta-percha during retreatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty mandibular premolars with one single straight canal were decoronated and instrumented with ProTaper files and filled with thermoplastic gutta-percha. After 30 days, the samples were divided into three groups and gutta-percha was removed with the test instruments. The postoperative radiographs were evaluated with known criteria by dividing the root into cervical third, middle third, and apical third. The results were tabulated and Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software (IBM Corporation) was used for analysis.

RESULTS

The mean deviation of the results were first calculated and then t-test and analysis of variance test (two-tailed P value) were evaluated for establishing significant differences. The rotary instruments were effective in removing the gutta-percha from the canals. Therefore, significant difference was observed between the efficacies of the two rotary systems used. The rotary instruments showed effective gutta-percha removal in the cervical and middle one third. (P > 0.05). However, apical debridement was effective with Hedstrom files.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded the use of both rotary and hand instrumentation for effective removal of gutta-percha for retreatment.

The Comparative Efficacy of Different Files in The Removal of Different Sealers in Simulated Root Canal Retreatment- An In-vitro Study

INTRODUCTION

Root canal treatment enjoys a high success rate all over the world and has saved billions of teeth from extraction. However, there are instances of failure, the main causes being insufficient cleaning and inadequate obturation. In such cases the most conservative treatment option would be non-surgical retreatment. It requires regaining access to the entire root canal system through removal of the original root canal filling thus permitting further cleaning and re- obturation. Removal of gutta-percha and sealer becomes a critical step to gain access to the root canal system, remove necrotic tissue debris, bacteria and infected dentin.

AIM

To compare and evaluate the efficacy of manual hand Hedstrom files and two rotary retreatment file systems ProTaper Universal retreatment files and Mtwo(R) (retreatment) files in the removal of root canal filling material during root canal retreatment and the influence of the type of sealers zinc oxide eugenol and AH plus on the presence of remaining debris in the reinstrumented canals in the apical, middle and coronal third.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty single rooted human premolar teeth were divided into 3 Groups of 20 teeth each Group I (20 Teeth): prepared using hand K Files, Group II (20 Teeth): prepared using ProTaper rotary system and Group III (20 Teeth): prepared using Mtwo rotary system. In Groups- IA, IIA, IIIA: (10 teeth each) Obturation was done using Zinc Oxide Eugenol sealer and gutta percha. In Groups- IB, IIB, IIIB: (10 teeth each) obturation was done with AH Plus sealer and gutta percha. All the teeth were subjected to retreatment. Groups IA and IB with Hedstrom files, Groups IIA and IIB with ProTaper retreatment files and for Groups IIIA and IIIB with Mtwo retreatment Files. The roots were longitudinally split and were observed under a stereomicroscope for remaining amount of filling material on the canal walls. Statistical analysis was done using One-way ANOVA (Analysis of variance) test and Tukey HSD Test.

RESULTS

Mtwo(R) files showed statistically significant difference in the removal of filling material in the apical third and ProTaper R in the coronal and apical thirds. Better cleaning efficacy was seen in canals obturated with zinc oxide eugenol sealer. Mtwo(R) files showed better removal of filling material than ProTaper R followed by Hedstrom files, even though there was no statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSION

None of the instrument group showed complete removal of the filling material. It was easier to remove zinc oxide eugenol sealer than AH plus sealer.

The effect of passive ultrasonic activation of 2% chlorhexidine or 3% sodium hypochlorite in canal wall cleaning

Objectives: the purpose of this study was to compare debris removal and open tubules effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine (CHX) applied as final irrigation in different protocols Study Design: sixty extracted premolars were divided into six groups according to the final irrigation technique: A and B 3 % NaOCl or 2 % CHX with the Miraject needle and no agitation; C and D, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with Irrisafe 20 tips and 3 % NaOCl or 2 % CHX; E and F, PUI with Irrisafe 25 tips and 3 % NaOCl or 2% CHX. The remaining dentine debris and opened tubules were evaluated by SEM at three root levels by two blinded investigators. The Kruskal Wallis and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare groups and levels, with a significance of p<0.05. Results: Debris elimination was significantly higher in PUI groups (p<0.05). PUI groups showed a higher capability to open tubules, compared to groups A and B. In the coronal third, groups D to F eliminated more debris and opened more tubules than conventional irrigation (p<0.05). In medium third, group E eliminated significantly more debris (1.60) than group A (2.60). No differences were obtained among groups in apical third. Both NaOCl and CHX applied with PUI showed no differences in debris elimination or opened tubules. Conclusions: Final PUI with Irrisafe tips was the most effective procedure for eliminating the debris and opening up dentinal tubules, independent of the irrigant solution or Irrisafe type size.

Key words:Ultrasonic irrigation, PUI, sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine.

Spiral computed tomography assessment of the efficacy of different rotary versus hand retreatment system

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of nickel-titanium rotary retreatment systems versus stainless steel hand retreatment system with or without solvent for gutta-percha removal during retreatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty extracted human mandibular molar teeth with single canal in a distal root was prepared with ProTaper rotary nickel-titanium files and obturated with gutta-percha and sealer. The teeth were randomly divided into six groups of 10 specimens in each groups. The volume of filling material before and after retreatment were evaluated in cm(3) using the computed tomography (CT) scanner proprietary software.

RESULTS

Maximum amount of filling material removed during retreatment with ProTaper retreatment system with solvent and minimum with hand retreatment system with solvent.

CONCLUSIONS

None of the technique was 100% effective in removing the filling materials, but the ProTaper retreatment system with solvent was better.

Effect of solvents on the accuracy of the Mini Root ZX apex locator

AIM

To evaluate ex vivo, the effects of three solvents on the accuracy of a contemporary electronic root canal length measurement device (ERCLMD), the Mini Root ZX.

METHODOLOGY

The actual working length (AWL) of 56 extracted maxillary incisor teeth were measured with an ERCLMD. All root canals were prepared with the ProTaper system to AWL. Of them, 20 were filled with gutta-percha and a resin-based sealer (Group A), 20 with gutta-percha and a zinc oxide/eugenol-based sealer (Group B), and 16 roots were used as the control group (Group C). Removal of the root filling and repreparation processes were performed using the ProTaper system. Guttasolv and Resosolv were used as the solvents in Group A and Guttasolv and Endosolv E in Group B. After the removal of the root fillings had been achieved, the same ERCLMD was used to measure the working length (WL). Differences between AWL and WL measurements were analysed by paired t-test, and the accuracy of ERCLMD was assessed using chi-squared tests.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between AWL and WL measurements in subgroups A2 (Resosolv group) and B2 (Endosolv E group). In these subgroups, WL was shorter than AWL (P < 0.05). Also, the accuracy of the Resosolv group was significantly lower than the others (P < 0.05) at a ±0.5 mm margin of error.

CONCLUSIONS

Removing root fillings may require use of a solvent. In these cases, ERCLMDs may exhibit a lower accuracy, thus operators must exercise additional care when measuring the working length using ERCLMDs.

Detection of residual obturation material after root canal retreatment with three different techniques using a dental operating microscope and a stereomicroscope: An in vitro comparative evaluation

Aim:

The study was designed to compare the efficiency of three different methods used for retreatment using a dental operating microscope (DOM) and a stereomicroscope and to evaluate and compare the two methods for detection of residual obturation material after retreatment.

Background:

The DOM can play an important role in the successful retreatment by detecting the remaining obturation material.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty extracted maxillary central incisors were collected and obturated after biomechanical preparation. The samples were divided into three groups depending on the method of retreatment: Group I, H-files; Group II, ProTaper Universal retreatment files; and Group III: H-files + Gates-Glidden drills, with 10 samples in each group. After retreatment, the samples were observed under a DOM for detection of residual obturation material. Later, the teeth were cleared and observed under a stereomicroscope for detecting the remaining filling material. The results were subjected to the Spearman's rank order test and other statistical analysis.

Results:

The maximum cleanliness of the root canal walls was seen in Group I while Group II showed the least. The difference between the mean scores obtained with a DOM and a stereomicroscope was statistically significant (P = 0.05).

Conclusion:

None of the techniques could completely remove the obturation material. The root canal cleanliness is best achieved when retreatment is performed under a DOM.

Evaluation of manual and two-rotary niti retreatment systems in removing gutta-percha obturated with two root canal sealers

Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two retreatment NiTi systems (protaper universal retreatment files, R-Endo), when compared to manual technique in removing Gutta-percha obturated with two sealers. Study Design. Sixty extracted single-rooted premolars were instrumented with Protaper rotary files till F3. The specimens were divided into six groups. Groups 1, 2, 3 were obturated with Gutta-percha and zinc oxide eugenol and Groups 4, 5, 6 were obturated with Gutta-percha and AH-plus. The retreatment was carried out in groups 1 and 4 with H-files and GGdrills, groups 2 and 5 with R-endo retreatment files and groups 3 and 6 with Protaper retreatment files. The roots were sectioned and evaluated under optical stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way ANOVA and Newman-Keul's test at P < 0.05. Results. The manual technique resulted in cleaner canal walls when compared with both rotary retreatment systems. Conclusion. NiTi rotary retreatment files can be used to remove the filling material quickly, but it should be followed by hand instruments to obtain better canal wall cleanliness.

The efficacy of two rotary NiTi instruments and H-files to remove gutta-percha from root canals

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of R-Endo® and K3® rotary nickel-titanium instruments compared with manual instrumentation with H-files, with use of a solvent, for removal of gutta-percha during retreatment. Study design: Forty five freshly extracted human single-rooted teeth, each with one root canal, were instrumented with K-files and filled using cold lateral compaction of gutta-percha and AH 26® sealer. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups of 15 specimens each. Removal of gutta-percha was performed with the following devices and techniques: Group 1 (H-files), Group 2 (R-Endo®), and Group 3 (K3®). The specimens were rendered transparent for the evaluation of the area of remaining gutta-percha/sealer in buccolingual and mesiodistal directions. Statistical analysis as performed by using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p=0.05). Results: All retreatment techniques used in this study left some filling material inside the root canal. Images in buccolingual and mesiodistal directions showed no significant differences between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: Under the experimental conditions, the remaining filling material after retreatment was similar for each group.

Key words:Gutta-percha removal, K3®, NiTi, R-Endo®.

Effectiveness of two nickel-titanium rotary instruments and a hand file for removing gutta-percha in severely curved root canals during retreatment: an ex vivo study

AIM

To evaluate ex vivo the effectiveness of hand files, ProTaper and R-Endo rotary instruments when removing gutta-percha from curved root canals.

METHODOLOGY

Ninety severely curved teeth were divided into three groups. The root canals were accessed, prepared and filled with vertically condensed gutta-percha and sealer. Removal of gutta-percha was performed with the following devices and techniques: Hedström files (Vereinigte Dentalwerke, Munich, Germany), ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and R-Endo (Micro-Mega, Besançon, France). All techniques were used with the solvent eucalyptol. The amount of filling material debris remaining on root canal walls was assessed radiographically from two directions: mesio-distal and bucco-lingual. The images were digitized and analysed with autocad 2000 software. Total canal area, area of the cervical, middle and apical thirds, and area of remaining filling material from both directions were outlined by two different operators and calculated. Statistical analysis of remaining filling material within each third of the canals was performed by the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

Comparisons of the percentages of remaining filling material in the entire canal did not reveal any significant differences between the methods of removal. However, the canal third was of relevance in all groups; the apical third had the most remaining filling material compared with the middle and cervical thirds (P = 0.0012).

CONCLUSION

All instruments left filling material inside the root canal. ProTaper and R-Endo rotary instruments were inadequate for the complete removal of filling material from the root canal system.

Efficacy of automated versus hand instrumentation during root canal retreatment: an ex vivo study

AIM

To compare automated and manual instrumentation techniques for removing filling material from root canal walls during root canal retreatment.

METHODOLOGY

One hundred extracted human single-rooted teeth were root filled and stored. Specimens were divided into two groups: group A, Endofill plus gutta-percha; group B, Sealer 26 plus gutta-percha. The filling material was removed using the following techniques: group I - Gates-Glidden and K-type files; group II - ProFile; group III - ProTaper; group IV - K3; group V- Micro Mega Hero 642. The remaining filling debris on the root canal walls were assessed radiographically, images were digitized and analysed using Image ProPlus software. The roots were split for evaluation in a stereomicroscope by epiluminescence and photomicrographs were taken for further analysis. The area covered with filling debris was analysed by means of Student's t-test to compare the evaluation methods. The student's t-test was also used to compare the removal of filling materials. An anova test was applied to compare the different techniques (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

A significant difference occurred between radiographic and photomicrographic evaluation methods (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the filling materials on terms of their removal (P > 0.05). Manual instrumentation left more filling debris on the root canal walls when compared to K3 (P < 0.05) and ProTaper (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A photomicrographic method by epiluminescence was more effective than the radiographic method to evaluate filling debris. There was no significant difference between the filling materials in terms of their removal. K3 and ProTaper were more efficient than manual instrumentation.

Detectability of residual Epiphany and gutta-percha after root canal retreatment using a dental operating microscope and radiographs - an ex vivo study

AIM

To compare the detectability of residual Epiphany and gutta-percha after root canal retreatment using a dental operating microscope and radiographic examination with the residual area measured after rendering the roots transparent.

METHODOLOGY

Sixty extracted single-rooted maxillary central incisor teeth were enlarged to apical size 40. Thirty canals were filled using vertically compacted Epiphany, the remainder were filled with vertically compacted gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. After re-instrumentation to apical size 50, radiographs of the roots were taken in buccolingual and mesiodistal direction. Residual filling material was categorized by three observers using the radiographs and a dental operating microscope. The area of remaining material that was made visible by radiographs was measured with the aid of a computer image analysis programme. After clearing the roots, areas of residual filling material on the root canal wall were measured using a microscope.

RESULTS

Computer image analysis of the radiographs showed significantly smaller areas of remaining gutta-percha and Epiphany compared with the analysis of the transparent teeth that revealed only one absolutely clean root (Epiphany). Especially in the gutta-percha group, the scores determined by the observers using radiographic examination gave an over-optimistic impression of cleanliness compared with the scores determined by the visualization through the microscope.

CONCLUSION

Especially for remaining gutta-percha, the operating microscopes provided better detection of residual root filling material in retreated maxillary incisor teeth.

Effectiveness of hand and rotary instrumentation for removing a new synthetic polymer-based root canal obturation material (Epiphany) during retreatment

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of hand and rotary instrumentation for removal of vertically compacted Epiphany and gutta-percha during retreatment.

METHODOLOGY

Sixty extracted single-rooted maxillary central incisors were enlarged to size 40 using FlexMaster instruments. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 15 specimens each. The canals of two groups were obturated using vertically compacted Epiphany. The others were filled with vertically compacted gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. One Epiphany group and one gutta-percha group was reinstrumented with Gates Glidden burs and Hedström files. In the other two groups, obturation material was removed using Gates Glidden burs and RaCe rotary instruments. After clearing the roots, the area of remaining obturation material on the root canal wall was measured using a computer image analysis program. Statistical analysis was performed using Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance and anova.

RESULTS

Retreatment of specimens obturated with gutta-percha showed significantly more remaining obturation material than specimens filled with Epiphany (P < 0.05). No difference was found between the removal with Hedström files and with RaCe instruments (P > 0.05). Regarding the mean time of retreatment and time required for reaching the working length, Hedström files were significantly faster than RaCe instruments (P < 0.05). The times did not depend on the kind of obturation material (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Vertically compacted Epiphany in combination with Epiphany Root Canal Sealant was removed more effectively than gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. Hedström files were more rapid than RaCe rotary instruments.

Effectiveness of different techniques for removing gutta-percha during retreatment

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of various techniques for removing filling material from root canals in vitro.

METHODOLOGY

Eighty extracted mandibular premolar teeth were selected for the study. The teeth were root filled using thermomechanical compaction of gutta-percha. After 8 months, the filling material was removed and canals were reinstrumented using the following techniques: group I - hand instrumentation with K-type files (SybronEndo, Orange, CA, USA); group II - K3 Endo System (SybronEndo); group III - M4 system (SybronEndo) with K-type files (SybronEndo); and group IV - Endo-gripper system (Moyco Union Broach, York, PA, USA) with K-type files (SybronEndo). The amount of filling debris remaining on root canal walls was assessed radiographically; the images were digitized and analysed using AutoCAD 2000 software. Total canal area, area of the cervical, middle and apical thirds, and area of remaining filling material were outlined by one operator. The ratios between these areas were calculated as percentages of remaining debris. Thereafter, data were analysed by means of one-way anova and the post-hoc Duncan test to identify differences between the four techniques.

RESULTS

Multiple comparisons of the percentages of remaining filling material in the entire canal did not reveal any significant differences between the methods of removal. However, when each third was analysed separately, significant differences for remaining debris were present between groups. The apical third had the most remaining material, whilst the cervical and middle thirds were significantly cleaner (P = 0.002). Comparison of the techniques revealed that teeth instrumented with K3 rotary instruments had a lower ratio of remaining filling material in the apical third (P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

In the apical third, K3 rotary instruments were more efficient in removing gutta-percha filling material than the other techniques, which were equally effective for the other thirds.

Removal of Two Types of Root Canal Filling Material Using Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser Irradiation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser in removing two types of endodontic obturation material from the root canal in vitro.

BACKGROUND DATA

Recently, a fine flexible glass fiber made of quartz has been developed to transmit the laser beam more effectively and permit its concentration in a specific area. This has increased the potential usefulness of the Nd:YAG laser in root canal treatment.

METHODS

The time required for removing the root canal obturation material (Gutta-percha cones and, Sealapex or AH26) by means of either Nd:YAG laser irradiation or a conventional method (Gates Glidden drills and K files) was measured. Contact microradiography was used to assess the radiopacity of the root canals before and after the removal of obturation material. The surfaces of the root canal after removal of the obturation materials were also observed by scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Although none of the methods used in this study resulted in complete removal of debris from the root canal wall, the time required for the removal of any of the root canal obturation materials using laser ablation was significantly shorter than that required using the conventional method (p < 0.05). It appeared that some orifices of the dentinal tubules were blocked with melted dentin following laser irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Nd:YAG laser irradiation is an effective tool for the removal of root canal obturation materials, and may offer advantages over the conventional method.

Efficacy, cleaning ability and safety of different rotary NiTi instruments in root canal retreatment

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy, cleaning ability and safety of three different rotary nickel-titanium instruments with and without a solvent (eucalyptol) versus hand files in the removal of gutta-percha root fillings.

METHODOLOGY

Eighty extracted single-rooted anterior teeth were enlarged to size 35 and obturated with laterally condensed gutta-percha using AHPlus as the sealer. Removal of gutta-percha was performed with the following devices and techniques: FlexMaster, GT Rotary, ProTaper and Hedström files. All techniques were used with and without the solvent eucalyptol. The following data were recorded: time taken to reach the calculated working length and time required for the removal of gutta-percha. The teeth were split longitudinally and photographed. Cleanliness of the root canal walls was scored using the projected slides with a total magnification of approximately 70x. Statistical analysis was performed using the two-way anova (P < 0.001) for the analysis of working time.

RESULTS

The technique that reached the working length most rapidly was that using ProTaper instruments and eucalyptol (+E), followed by FlexMaster + E, ProTaper, FlexMaster, Hedström files + E, GT Rotary + E, Hedström files, and GT Rotary. No significant differences were found for retreatment with or without a solvent in all groups. ProTaper and FlexMaster worked significantly more rapidly than Hedström files and GT Rotary (anova, P < 0.001). Time for complete removal of gutta-percha was again shortest with ProTaper + E, followed by FlexMaster + E, ProTaper, FlexMaster, GT Rotary + E, Hedström files + E, Hedström files, and GT Rotary. ProTaper and FlexMaster again worked significantly faster than the other techniques (anova, P < 0.001). There was no visible filling material extruded apically. Root canal cleanliness proved best following the use of FlexMaster + E, and Hedström files + E, followed by ProTaper + E, and GT Rotary + E.

CONCLUSION

Under the experimental conditions, FlexMaster and ProTaper NiTi instruments proved to be efficient and time-saving devices for the removal of gutta-percha. The use of eucalyptol as a solvent shortened the time to reach the working length and to remove the gutta-percha, but this was not significant.

A comparison of the relative efficacies of four hand and rotary instrumentation techniques during endodontic retreatment

AIM

The purpose of this study was to quantify the amount of remaining gutta-percha/scaler on the walls of root canals when two engine-driven instruments (Quantec and ProFile) and two hand instruments (K-file and Hedström file) were used to remove these materials. The amount of apically extruded debris and the time required for treatment were also recorded.

METHODOLOGY

One hundred extracted mandibular premolars were prepared using a modified step-back, flare technique and obturated with the lateral condensation technique. After repreparation with the test instruments, the specimens were cut transversally at the cervical, middle and apical thirds with steel discs and the three sections were split longitudinally. The amount of residual debris on the canal walls in each section was examined using a stereomicroscope.

RESULTS

In all groups the cervical and middle thirds showed no debris. In the apical third, obturating material was observed in some specimens. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups for incidence of debris, although the Hedström group showed a greater number of samples with remaining gutta-percha/sealer. When analysing dirty specimens only, there was a statistically significant difference between the four groups (P < 0.01) with the Hedström group having significantly less length of canal wall with remaining obturation material than the Quantec group. There was no significant difference amongst the groups for weight of extruded debris. However, there was a significant difference amongst the groups for mean treatment time with the Hedström file group requiring significantly less time than the Quantec group (P < 0.001); no significant differences were found between the other groups. Six instruments fractured in the Quantec group, four in the ProFile group, two in the Hedström group and two in the K-type group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that overall, all instruments may leave filling material inside the root canal. During retreatment there is a risk of instrument breakage, especially rotary instruments.