Evaluation of Density and Homogeneity of Three Different Root Canal Obturation Techniques: A Three –Dimensional Computed Tomography In Vitro Study

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare three dimensionally the density and homogeneity of cold lateral compaction, warm vertical compacti on and guttaflow root canal obturation techniques using computed tomography. Thirty canals of 12 mm from extracted lower single canal premolars were selected then instrumented and divided randomly into 3 groups with 10 roots in each group. Group I was obturation with cold lateral compaction technique, group II was obturated with warm vertical compaction technique and group III was obturated with guttaflow system. The specimens were then analyzed for the density and homogeneity in both vertical and hor i zontalsections in apical, middle and coronal third with 1 mm section thickness using computed tomography. The data obtained in hounsefield units were subjected to statistical analysis. In conclusionguttaflow was superior in the apical part and none of the tested obturation techniques can achieve three dimensional dense and homogenous obturation from apical to coronal parts of root.