Evaluation of Root Canal Obturation Quality in Deciduous Molars with Different Obturation Materials: An In Vitro Micro-Computed Tomography Study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the voids in root canal treatment of deciduous molar canals using three obturating materials and two obturation systems using micro-CT. Study Design. Thirty freshly extracted deciduous molars were used in this study. The specimens were instrumented using a ProTaper Universal rotary instrument and randomly assigned into six groups (n = 5). Mesiobuccal root canals were obturated using Ca(OH)(2) and iodoform-Ca(OH)(2) and ZOE cement. The materials were applied straight from the syringe up to the 2 mm coronal level of the apex. Subsequently, the Lentulo spiral and ultrasonic activation with endoactivator were used for obturation. All samples were scanned by micro-CT with 9.1 μm isotropic voxel resolution. The voids in cross-sectional images and 3D volumes of voids were measured. Differences among materials were statically evaluated (p < 0.05). RESULTS: All study groups showed voids. Ca(OH)(2) and iodoform-Ca(OH)(2) with ultrasonic activation produced fewer voids whereas the ZOE groups showed higher voids with statistical significance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ca(OH)(2) and iodoform-Ca(OH)(2) with ultrasonic activation decrease void formation. Further studies should be done with other obturation techniques and materials for deciduous tooth root canal management.