Root canal obturation materials and filling techniques for primary teeth: In vitro evaluation in polymer‐based prototyped incisors

BACKGROUND: Achieving a void-free root canal filling is a challenge in current clinical pulpectomy practice. AIM: To compare filling effectiveness and internal voids of root filling materials and obturation techniques in resin-prototyped primary incisors by micro-CT. DESIGN: Fifty prototypes were instrumented and randomly divided (n = 10) according to the filling materials (Vitapex((R)) , ZOE, Calcicur((R)) , Feapex, and Calen((R)) -ZO) and obturation technique: lentulo or pressure syringe (n = 5). The specimens were micro-CT scanned (pixel size = 7.83 mum) and reconstructed, and the total volume of filled canal (%FC) and internal voids (%IV) of the bulk filling material was calculated. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to detect differences and interactions among groups. RESULTS: Calen((R)) -ZO, Vitapex((R)) , and ZOE showed similar %FC. Calcicur((R)) showed lower %FC compared with Calen((R)) -ZO, Vitapex((R)) , and ZOE (P < .05) but similar to Feapex. No statistically significant differences in %FC between lentulo or pressure syringe were disclosed. Regarding %IV, Vitapex((R)) , and Calen((R)) -ZO performed better with syringe, although Calcicur((R)) was better with lentulo. The number of voids in the obturation bulk was similar among materials, but always lower (P < .05) in syringe filled specimens. CONCLUSION: Vitapex((R)) , Calen((R)) -ZO, and ZOE outperformed Calcicur((R)) and Feapex in %FC and if the syringe technique is used, %IV of the obturation bulk and presence of defects was lower.