The Influence Of Filling Technique On Depth Of Tubule Penetration By Root Canal Sealer: A Study Using Light Microscopy And Digital Image Processing

• Published in: Australian endodontic journal 2004-04, Vol.30 (1), p.23-28
• Main Authors: De Deus, Gustavo A., Gurgel-Filho, Eduardo Diogo, Maniglia-Ferreira, Cláudio, Coulinho-Filho, Tauby
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis of Variance; Dentin - ultrastructure; Dentistry; Gutta-Percha - chemistry; Hot Temperature; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Incisor; Microscopy; Photomicrography; Root Canal Filling Materials - chemistry; Root Canal Obturation - methods; Root Canal Preparation; Statistics, Nonparametric
• ISSN: 1329-1947; 1747-4477
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-4477.2004.tb00164.x

The purpose of this study was to compare the depth of sealer penetration into dentinal tubules by three root‐filling techniques using light microscopy and digital image processing. Thirty‐two maxillary central incisors were prepared. Two teeth were separated for the control group. The rest were divided into three equal groups and obturated as following — G1: lateral condensation; G2: warm vertical compaction of gutta‐percha and G3: Thermafil system. Each sample was sectioned longitudinally and prepared for microscopic analysis. A sequence of photomicrographs with magnifications of ×50, ×200 and ×500 were taken. Through digital image analysis and processing, measurements for each field were obtained. A non‐parametric ANOVA Kruskal‐Wallis analysis was used to determine whether there were significant differences among the groups. Significant differences between G2 and G1 (p = 0.034) and between G3 and G1 (p = 0.021) were identified. There were no significant differences between G2 and G3 (p > 0.05). The results of this research suggest that samples root‐filled by thermoplasticised gutta‐percha techniques lead to deeper penetration of the root canal sealer into the dentinal tubules.