Evaluation of the film thickness of a root canal sealer following different filling techniques

Introduction: The aim of this study was to obtain a quantitative analysis of the film thickness of a root canal sealer formed after filling by three different techniques. Material and methods: Sixty human mandibular premolars were selected. After clean and shape, the teeth were randomly divided into three equals groups of ten and obturated according to the following techniques: Group I – Hydraulic compaction; Group II – Lateral condensation; Group III – Tagger technique. Grossman sealer was used as the sealer. The samples were evaluated 12 mm, 9 mm, 6 mm and 3 mm below the apex region. The images were captured and the film thickness of the root canal sealer was measured using a computer program (Image Tool 3.0). Statistical analysis was obtained using the Wilcox test (SPSS 12.0). Results: Tagger technique presents better results than Hydraulic compaction and Lateral condensation. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between groups (p = 0.0109). Conclusion: In general, the lowest film thickness was observed in the Tagger technique (Group III). Lateral condensation showed poor results in this study.