Evaluation of the thermoplasticity of different gutta-percha cones and the TC system

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the thermoplasticity of three commercial brands of gutta-percha (Tanari, Dentsply 0.06, and Roeko), and of the TC system. Materials and Methods: Standardized specimens were fabricated from the materials to be evaluated. Specimens were placed in water at 70°C for 60 seconds. Following that, they were positioned between two glass slabs and each set was compressed by a 5kg weight. Images of the specimens before and after compression were digitized and analyzed by the Image Tool software. The flow capacity of each material was confirmed by the difference between the initial and final areas of each sample. Results: The resulting data were analyzed by ANOVA. The TC system presented the greatest thermoplasticity values (p<0.05). Among the gutta-percha cones, the Roeko brand showed higher thermoplasticity than the others (p<0.05). Conclusion: The gutta-percha from TC system present good thermoplasticity capacity

Effectiveness of gutta-percha and Resilon in filling lateral root canals using the Obtura II system

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of gutta-percha and Resilon in filling lateral root canals by using the Obtura II system. Root canals of artificial teeth were prepared using a standard protocol, and lateral canals were made in three thirds of the root canal. The root canals were filled with either Obtura gutta-percha (OB), Endo-points flow gutta-percha (ED), or Resilon (RE) by using the Obtura II system. The fillings were evaluated using digitized radiographs and analyzed by using Image Tool software. Outlines of the total areas of the lateral canals and the filled areas were used to determine the percentage of filling in each lateral canal. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests at a 5% significance level. RE and ED showed better results than OB did in the three thirds of the root canals. When the root canal thirds were compared, OB and RE were more effective in the cervical third than in the apical third (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Resilon and EndoFlow gutta-percha were effective in filling lateral canals by using the Obtura II system