Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the filling ability in oval-shaped canals using
two different carrier-based filling techniques.
Materials and Methods Twenty-four human mandibular premolars with one oval canal were selected. Canals
were shaped using WaveOne Gold Primary and ProGlider. Samples were divided into two
groups and filled as follows: Thermafil and GuttaCore. The proportions of gutta-percha-filled
areas (GPFAs), sealer-filled areas (SFAs), and void areas (VA), at 2 and 5 mm, were
analyzed using optical numeric microscope, scanning electron microscope, and energy-dispersive
X-ray.
Statistical Analysis Data were compared by Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance on ranks, with
statistical significance set at α = 0.05.
Results At 2 and 5 mm distances from the apex, this study discloses no statistically different
filling ability for the two techniques. Concerning each sample treated using both
filling systems, the presence of tags was visualized. At working length (WL)-5, and
WL-2, the maximum tag penetration depth for the GuttaCore group into the dentinal
tubules was, respectively, 96 μm and 48 μm, whereas the values in the thermafil group
were 109 μm, and 55 μm, respectively.
Conclusions Our results clearly show that Thermafil and GuttaCore can fill oval-shaped canals
in appropriate way. Furthermore, we can state that the GuttaCore obturator allows
to preserve the same filling ability than Thermafil obturator, in view of the fact
that there was no difference, in terms of GPFA, SFA, and VA between the two different
carrier-based obturation techniques.
Keywords
carrier-based techniques - filling ability - GuttaCore - oval-shaped canals - Thermafil
