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Detectability of residual Epiphany and gutta‐percha after root canal retreatment using a dental operating microscope and radiographs – an ex vivo study
Author(s) -
Schirrmeister J. F.,
Hermanns P.,
Meyer K. M.,
Goetz F.,
Hellwig E.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
international endodontic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.988
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1365-2591
pISSN - 0143-2885
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2591.2006.01126.x
Subject(s) - epiphany , gutta percha , root canal , radiography , dentistry , microscope , medicine , materials science , orthodontics , radiology , art , pathology , visual arts
Aim To compare the detectability of residual Epiphany and gutta‐percha after root canal retreatment using a dental operating microscope and radiographic examination with the residual area measured after rendering the roots transparent. Methodology Sixty extracted single‐rooted maxillary central incisor teeth were enlarged to apical size 40. Thirty canals were filled using vertically compacted Epiphany, the remainder were filled with vertically compacted gutta‐percha and AH Plus sealer. After re‐instrumentation to apical size 50, radiographs of the roots were taken in buccolingual and mesiodistal direction. Residual filling material was categorized by three observers using the radiographs and a dental operating microscope. The area of remaining material that was made visible by radiographs was measured with the aid of a computer image analysis programme. After clearing the roots, areas of residual filling material on the root canal wall were measured using a microscope. Results Computer image analysis of the radiographs showed significantly smaller areas of remaining gutta‐percha and Epiphany compared with the analysis of the transparent teeth that revealed only one absolutely clean root (Epiphany). Especially in the gutta‐percha group, the scores determined by the observers using radiographic examination gave an over‐optimistic impression of cleanliness compared with the scores determined by the visualization through the microscope. Conclusion Especially for remaining gutta‐percha, the operating microscopes provided better detection of residual root filling material in retreated maxillary incisor teeth.