The adaptability of three different gutta percha obturation techniques: Thermafil, System-B/Obtura, lateral ondensation

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: Complete obturation of the root canal with an inert filling material and creation of a hermetic apical
and coronal seal are the goals of successful endodontic treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate and
compare the adaptability of gutta percha root canal fillings achieved with Thermafil, system B/Obtura, and lateral
condensation techniques.
Materials and methods: Forty five freshly extracted maxillary first molar teeth were selected for this study. The canals
were prepared with crown-down technique using GT rotary files; the coronal half of the roots were instrumented
using ISO 12/35 GT rotary file at 300-350 r.p.m. The apical half was instrumented with ISO. 04/30 GT rotary file, and for
shaping the most apical third of the canal they were prepared with No. 35 reamer by reaming action only. The
prepared roots were obturated using either Thermafil system (G1): using System B/ Obtura technique (G2) or Lateral
condensation technique. The teeth were sectioned horizontally 1.5 mm occlusal to the true anatomical apex. The
next four sections were made so the occlusal surface was 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 10 mm occlusal to the anatomical apex.
The samples were examined under a light optical microscope to trace the periphery of each area in the image to
calculate: Sealer/Gutta percha ratio, Sealer film average thickness and the percentage of increase above sealer
average film thickness.
Results and conclusion: At the apical two levels Lateral Condensation obturation technique had the best
adaptability to canal walls followed by Thermafil and finally by Obtura/System-B technique, while at the coronal
three levels Obtura/System-B obturation technique had the best adaptability to canal walls followed by Thermafil
and finally by Lateral Condensation.
Keywords: Thermafil, Obtura/System-B, Lateral condensation, adaptation. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry 2010;22(3):39-45).