Comparative volumetric analysis of three different obturating materials in primary molars under cone beam computed tomography: an in-vitro study.

Background: To increase the success rate of the endodontic treatment in primary teeth various, obturating materials have been introduced to meet the specific requirements for deciduous dentition and to create a three-dimensional (3D) seal to prevent recurrence of bacterial infection. This study was conducted to compare and evaluate the three-dimensional seal and volumetric filling of primary canals obturated with different medicaments using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods: In-vitro cross sectional study was designed with sample size of 108 specimens. Thirty-six extracted primary molars were selected for the study and randomly divided into 3 groups A (Metapex; Meta Biomed, Osong-eup, Korea), B (Endoflas; Sanlor Laboratories, Cali, Colombia) and C (Zinc oxide eugenol; DPI India Ltd., Mumbai, India). After access opening, canals were prepared up to 30 no k- file followed by obturation with Metapex, Endoflas and Zinc oxide eugenol in respective groups. CBCT was done before and after the obturation for volumetric analysis. The data obtained were analyzed to attain POV (percentage of obturated volume) and PVV (percentage volume of voids).

Results: The percentage of obturated volume (POV) was highest for Endoflas group (88.87) followed by Metapex (83.58) and ZnO (72.78) and the difference was statistically significant. Whereas the percentage volume of voids (PVV) was more in Zinc oxide eugenol group (27.22) followed by Metapex (16.42) and least voids were seen in Endoflas group (11.14).

Conclusions: Voids were found in all three obturating materials. Endoflas showed superior three-dimensional (3D) sealing capability whereas ZnO eugenol having least sealing capacity.