Evaluation of Rotary Retreatment Files for Gutta-Percha Removal: A Stereomicroscopic Analysis

AIM- The study aimed is to evaluate the efficacy of Different Rotary Retreatment Files Systems to completely remove Gutta Percha and sealer from previously obturated root canals without solvent. Methodology- One hundred single-rooted human mandibular premolars were prepared, obturated, and divided into five groups of 20 teeth each. Group 1 served as a positive control with no retreatment, Group 2 as a negative control with hand files, and Groups 3, 4, and 5 as experimental with Mani GPR, NeoEndo, and GenEndo files, respectively. Each group followed specific retreatment protocols with irrigation and file changes. The time taken for root filling removal was recorded, and teeth were longitudinally sectioned for stereomicroscopic examination at 40X magnification to assess efficacy. Results Group 4 NeoEndo retreatment file system was more superior in removing the gutta percha from the root canal as compared to Group 1,Group 2, Group 3 and  Group 5 but the time required to remove the residual filling material was less in Group 5 compared to Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4 However large Sample size along with clinical trial is necessary to validate the results of present ex vivo study. Conclusion None of the techniques investigated provided complete removal of filling material from the root canals Within the limitations of this study long term use of these method should be followed up in clinical studies. However more ex vivo studies need to be conducted to correlate the result of this study.