Clinical Comparison of Periapical Overfilling by Obtiration Methods Using Low-temperature Softened Gutta-percha

Abstract

In the present study, we compared two thermomechanical compaction methods using low-temperature softened gutta-percha with regard to the frequency of periapical overfilling. 608 root canals of 578 teeth were endodontically treated and obturated by two thermomechanical compaction methods: low-temperature softened gutta-percha only (stand-alone method), or combination of the cold gutta-percha point with low-temperature softened guttapercha (combination method). Periapical lesions visualized in X-ray films of post-obturated teeth were classified according to their lesion size and lesion type, and the relationships between the frequency of the periapical overfilling and the size or the type were analyzed. There was no relationship between the lesion size and the frequency of the periapical overfilling, whereas a significant relationship was observed between the type of lesion and the frequency of the periapical overfilling. The rate of periapical overfilling in cases obturated by the combination method was significantly lower than in cases obturated by the stand-alone method. These results suggest that the condition, not the size, of the periapical lesion may be a major factor related to the periapical overfilling of obturation materials, and the obturation method with the combination of lateral condensation with low-temperature softened gutta-percha was efficient regarding the condition of periapical lesions.