In vitro evaluation of filling material removal and apical debris extrusion after retreatment using Reciproc blue, Hyflex EDM and ProTaper retreatment files

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the amount of remaining filing material and apical debris extrusion after retreatment using Reciproc Blue, Hyflex EDM and ProTaper Retreatment Files. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six extracted permanent mandibular first molars with moderately curved mesial roots were selected. Mesiobuccal canals were prepared using the ProTaper Next system up to size X2 and filled using gutta-percha and Adseal sealer via cold lateral compaction. Teeth were randomly divided into three equal groups (n = 12): Group 1: Reciproc Blue (RB)(VDW, Germany), Group 2: Hyflex EDM (HEDM)(Coltene/Whaledent, Switzerland), Group 3: ProTaper Universal Retreatment file system + ProTaper Next file system (PTUR + PTN)( Dentsply Maillefer, Switzerland). Eppendorf tubes were used to collect the apically extruded debris. Cone-beam computed tomographic scans were taken prior to and after retreatment and the volume of remaining filling material was assessed at the coronal, middle and apical levels. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, Friedman's test and Wilcoxon Sign Rank test. Significance level was set at p value 0.05. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in the reduction of the volume of the filling material or in the amount of apically extruded debris. CONCLUSION: All the tested filing systems showed similar efficacy in removing the filling material, however, none of them could achieve its complete removal. Apical extrusion of debris occurred with all the systems used with no significant difference between the three groups.