Evaluation of Different Root Canal Filling Methods in Primary Teeth

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of 5 different methods for filling primary teeth root canals by digital radiography. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 extracted primary anterior teeth with no more than 25% root resorption were prepared using Mtwo (R) NiTi rotary instruments to a standard apical file size. Teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups, as follows according to the sealer application method. Group 1: Metapex (R) syringe (control); group 2: Metapex (R) syringe and Endoactivator (R) (sonic activation); group 3: Metapex (R) syringe and indirect ultrasonic activation; group 4: Endodontic irrigation needle; group 5: Lentulo spiral. Photostimulated phosphor radiographs of canals were evaluated for length of filling (underfilled, suboptimally filled, optimally filled, overfilled) and quality of filling (presence, localization and total sum of voids). Data was statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni-corrected Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: For the both length and the quality of the filling the worse results were seen in the endodontic irrigation needle group (group 4) (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the other groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study apart from the endodontic irrigation needle group, all the tested methods could be used for obturation of primary teeth.