Comparison of volumetric analysis of lateral compaction & three different vertically compacted thermoplasticized obturation techniques using spiral CT – An in vitro study

The objective of endodontic obturation is to provide a complete seal along the length of root canal system. This study was conducted to compare volumetrically, the laterally compressed gutta percha with three different vertically compacted thermoplasticized obturating systems using spiral CT, an in vitro study. Materials and methods included preparation of access cavities in 20 single rooted mandibular first premolars, followed by cleaning and shaping. Obturation was done with different thermoplasticized obturation systems: Group A – cold lateral; Group B – Calamus dual; Group C – E & Q Plus; Group D – Obtura II. Volume analysis was done using spiral computed tomography (CT). The percentage difference was calculated & statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons between groups using Tukey's HSD test. The results of study has shown the statistical significance between all the groups with the p-value <0.0001. Multiple comparisons between different groups show statistical significance in all groups except Group C and Group D. With this significance in results, it can be concluded that Calamus dual showed the highest volume of obturation, followed by Obtura II and E & Q Plus. The least volume of obturation was observed in cold lateral condensation technique.