Comparison of MicroSeal and System B/Obtura II Obturation techniques

Abstract

Aim: To compare the proportion of gutta-percha, sealer and voids following the filling of simulated root canals in plastic blocks using two warm gutta-percha techniques. Methodology: Ten simulated root canals in plastic blocks were prepared using System GT Rotary Files® and a .02 taper size 40 Quantec rotary nickel–titanium instrument and then filled with MicroSeal and Kerr EWT sealer. A further 10 simulated canals were prepared solely with System GT Rotary Files® and obturated with System B/Obtura II and Kerr EWT sealer. All blocks were sectioned at 1 mm intervals. The sectioned root fillings were photographed through a stereomicroscope and the resultant slides scanned. The images were analysed using ADOBE PHOTOSHOP 6.0 to give the proportions of gutta-percha, sealer or void at each level. The data were analysed using unpaired Student's t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: The MicroSeal technique produced a dense homogeneous gutta-percha fill at the apical 1 and 2 mm levels similar to the System B/Obtura II technique, but further coronally the sealer became mixed into the MicroFlow gutta-percha producing a heterogeneous mass with significantly less (P < 0.05) solid gutta-percha in the root filling compared to System B/Obtura II. The MicroSeal technique generally had more pooling of cement than the System B technique, however, this was only significantly different (P <0.05) at the 4 mm level. The System B/Obtura II obturation gave an average of 99.27% ± 1.09 gutta-percha fill at all levels. Conclusions: The MicroSeal technique produced a heterogeneous fill consisting of the MicroFlow Master Cone and gutta-percha from the MicroFlow Cartridge mixed with sealer. The System B/Obtura II technique produced a homogeneous fill at all levels.