Presence of voids after three obturation techniques in band-shaped isthmuses: a micro-computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) study was to assess the presence of voids in band-shaped isthmuses obturated using three different filling techniques. METHODS: Twenty-four artificial molar teeth with a band-shaped isthmus were allocated to three groups (n = 8) for obturation, according to the filling technique: single-cone (SC), continuous wave of condensation (CWC) or lateral condensation (LC). Obturation was performed with gutta-percha (GP) cones and iRoot SP (Innovative Bioceramix, Vancouver, Canada). Post-filling micro-CT scanning was performed. The percentage of filling materials and void volumes were calculated in the isthmus areas and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. RESULTS: The mean percentage of void volumes and corresponding filling percentages in the isthmus areas after obturation in the SC groups was 22.98 % +/- 1.19 %, 77.02 % +/- 1.19 %; in the CWC groups 10.46 % +/- 2.28 %, 89.54 % +/- 2.28 %; and in the LC groups was 13.14 % +/- 1.85 %, 86.86 % +/- 1.85 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In band-shaped isthmus area, the obturation quality of CWC was superior to SC and LC techniques.