RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the weight of root canal filling material used in a new lateral condensation technique named mechanical lateral condensation (MLC) with that of conventional lateral condensation technique (LC). This new technique uses reciprocal handpiece. METHODS: In this experimental study, 40 human extracted straight canine teeth were used. After crown amputation, root canals were prepared with 18 mm in length. The teeth were randomly divided into four experimental groups; each group was consisting of 10 teeth. The teeth in groups IA and IB were filled by LC technique. The teeth in groups IIA and IIB were filled by MLC technique and using a finger spreader that placed in a reciprocating-action handpiece to laterally condense cold gutta-percha, creating space for accessory cones. All of the roots were weighted before and after obturation and the difference demonstrated the weight of gutta-percha mass. The data were analyzed by t-test. RESULTS: The mean weight for MLC obturations was 10.82 ± 0.025 g compared with 7.37 ± 0.035 g for that of LC technique. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that MLC technique requires more gutta-percha mass than LC technique.
RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: This study compared apical dye penetration using lateral condensation technique (LC) and LC technique with a reciprocal handpiece (mechanical lateral condensation or MLC) as a new method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight human extracted straight canine teeth were used. After crown amputation, the teeth were randomly divided into four experimental groups of 10 teeth each and two negative and positive control groups of 4 teeth each. The groups were as follows: IA, 10 obturations completed by operator A using the LC technique; Group IB, 10 obturations completed by operator B using the LC technique; Group IIA, 10 obturations completed by operator A using the MLC technique; and Group IIB, 10 obturations completed by operator B using the MLC technique. All roots were placed in 2% methylene blue dye and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 3 minutes. Following centrifugation, the roots were cut along their long axis and evaluated under a stereomicroscope to measure the depth of dye penetration. RESULTS: A t-test showed that the teeth which were filled by the MLC technique had less dye penetration in comparison with LC technique (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This in vitro study illustrates that canals obturated with the MLC technique had superior apical seal than canals filled with the LC technique.