Homogeneity of root canal fillings performed by undergraduate students with warm vertical and cold lateral techniques.

ORCiD

Dr. Ove A. Peters: 0000-0001-5222-8718

Department

Endodontics

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontology

ISSN

1079-2104

Volume

110

Issue

3

DOI

10.1016/j.tripleo.2010.03.002

First Page

41

Last Page

49

Publication Date

9-1-2010

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine radiographic and microscopic appearances of root canal fillings performed by undergraduate students using vertical and lateral compaction techniques.

STUDY DESIGN: Thirty dental students were instructed how to fill curved simulated canals with gutta-percha and sealer using lateral and vertical compaction. Digital radiographs were taken in buccolingual and mesio-distal projections; radiographs were evaluated for homogeneity and root canal wall contact. Plastic blocks with simulated canals were sectioned and cross sections were assessed under a light microscope for voids. Probabilities were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS: Radiographs showed that the chances of obtaining a homogeneous root canal filling by using a vertical compaction technique were 3 times higher in the coronal canal third (OR 3.2; CI: 1.9, 5.3), the same in the middle third, and 2 times higher in the apical third (CI: 1.1, 2.4) than when using lateral compaction. Microscopic evaluation of the same canals revealed that the chances of obtaining a homogeneous root canal filling by vertical compaction were 3 times higher in the coronal canal third (CI: 1.6, 5.8), almost 3 times higher in the middle canal third (CI: 1.6, 4.7), and about 10 times higher in the apical canal third (OR 9.8; CI: 2.2, 43.4) than by lateral compaction. The chances of transporting filling material beyond the apex were almost 5 times higher (OR 4.6; CI: 2.8, 7.6) when using vertical rather than lateral compaction.

CONCLUSION: Inexperienced students obtained more homogeneous root canal fillings with the vertical compaction method; however, the probability of overextruding filling material with this method was high.

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