Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The obturation of canals with irregular structures is still a challenge for single cone obturation technique (SC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence and distribution of voids using SC with different sealer placement methods in the canal with a simulated band-shaped isthmus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3D-printed root canal models with band-shaped isthmuses were randomly divided into four groups according to different obturation methods. Group 1: sealer placement by single cone passively (SCP); Group 2: bi-directional spiral-supported sealer placement (BS); Group 3: ultrasound-supported sealer placement (U). Group 4: vertical compaction obturation (VC). In each group, 10 of 14 models were sliced and the remaining four were scanned by micro-CT. The percentage area of voids (PAV) and the percentage volume of voids (PVV) of fillings were calculated. RESULTS: At all slice levels, using BS and U to support sealer placement reduced voids with an average PAV of 21%, and in the VC and SCP groups were 33% and 45% respectively. Based on the micro-CT scans, nearly half of the porosity decreased by the BS and ultrasound in the isthmus with PVV of 25% and 29% respectively, compared with 46% in the SCP group. However, in the main canal, when the PVV was 22% in the SCP group, the porosity decreased to 14% in the U group and 18% in the BS group. CONCLUSION: Bi-directional spiral or ultrasound-supported sealer placement can improve the performance of single cone obturation in canals with an isthmus.