3D Evaluation of Various Rotary Instruments for the Removal of Gutta-Percha and Resilon from Root Canals

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of Protaper and Mtwo retreatment files in the elimination of Gutta-Percha and Resilon from uncomplicated root canals. Material and Methods: Thirty six freshly extracted single rooted teeth with Weine’s class I canal configuration were taken. The crowns were de-crowned to a depth of 16mm, and the working length was determined to be 15mm. Root canal preparation was done using rotary Protaper universal files and irrigated with 1 ml of 3% sodium hypochlorite. Samples were divided into four groups of nine specimens each with regards to filling material and instruments used for removing filling material as follows:- Group A: Gutta-percha/Protaper; Group B: Resilon/Protaper; Group C: Gutta-percha/Mtwo; Group D: Resilon/Mtwo. In groups A & C root canals were obturated with gutta- percha using zinc oxide eugenol as sealer and in groups B & D Resilon points were used with Real seal dual curable resin sealer using cold lateral condensation technique. Samples were stored at 37 ºC for two weeks and then removal of root filling material was carried out using specified instruments. Samples were assessed through cone beam computed tomography for canal area and residual filling material. Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was conducted through the utilization of one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc tests. Results: No individual system achieved total elimination of the root filling material from the inner walls of the root canal. ProTaper retreatment files demonstrated greater efficacy in gutta-percha removal compared to Mtwo retreatment files, with no statistically significant difference observed in comparison to Resilon (P>0.05). Conclusion: Gutta-percha was removed significantly better from the canal walls than Resilon by the ProTaper retreatment files as compared to Mtwo retreatment files.