Micro-CT evaluation of root filling quality in oval-shaped canals

Aim: To assess the percentage volumes of filling materials and voids in oval-shaped canals filled with either cold lateral compaction or warm compaction techniques, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).

Methodology: Twenty-four single-rooted maxillary premolar teeth with oval-shaped canals were selected and the root canals prepared and assigned to two groups (n = 12), according to the filling technique: cold lateral compaction (CLC) or warm vertical compaction (WVC). Each specimen was scanned using a micro-CT device at an isotropic resolution of 12.5 μm. Percentage volumes of root filling materials and voids were calculated, and data were statistically analysed using Student's t-test and Friedman's test, with a significance level of 5%.

Results: Overall, mean percentage volumes of gutta-percha, sealer and voids were 82.33 ± 3.14, 13.42 ± 2.91 and 4.26 ± 0.74 in the CLC group and 91.73 ± 4.48, 7.70 ± 4.44 and 0.57 ± 0.44 in the WVC group, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between groups (P < 0.05). At the apical level, differences in the percentage volumes of filling materials and voids between groups were not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: No root fillings were void free. Warm vertical compaction produced a significantly greater volume of gutta-percha and a significantly lower percentage of voids than those achieved with cold lateral compaction. Distribution of sealer and voids within the root canal space after root filling was unpredictable, irrespective of the technique used.