Scientific Publication Citing Dragonfly

Volumetric evaluation of five root canal obturation methods in TrueTooth™ 3D-printed tooth replicas using nano-computed tomography

Spencer Holmes (1), Ryan Gibson (2), Jacob Butler (3), Rafael Pacheco (4), Mazin Askar (5), Susan Paurazas(6)
Journal of Endodontics, 47, Issue 3, November 2020: 485-491. DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2020.11.012

Keywords

Nano-computed tomography, 3-dimensional analysis, root canal obturation, voids, TrueTooth™

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the volumes of total obturation and voids in different obturation techniques using nano-computed tomography imaging. The null hypothesis was obturation technique and the materials used have no effect on total volume of obturation nor the total volume of voids. Methods: Fifty maxillary left central incisors 3D-printed replicas (TrueTooth™), were instrumented and randomly assigned to 5 different obturation groups (n=10): single-cone with EndoSequence® gutta-percha points and Ribbon® sealer [SC1], single-cone with BC 150 Series guttapercha points and EndoSequence® BC Sealer™ [SC2], continuous wave with EndoSequence® guttapercha points and Ribbon® sealer [CW], GuttaCore® carrier obturation and Ribbon® sealer [GC], and cold lateral condensation with EndoSequence® gutta-percha points and Ribbon® sealer [CL]. Following obturation, nano-CT images were obtained and volumetric analysis was performed. Statistical analysis using 1- way ANOVA. Level of significance was set at 5% (P < 0.05). Results: The 1-way ANOVA for total obturation indicated a statistically significant effect of group on obturation. Post-hoc tests revealed a significant difference between the SC2, CW, and CL groups compared to the SC1 and GC groups. The 1- way ANOVA for calculated voids indicated a statistically significant effect of group on voids. Post-hoc tests revealed significant differences between the SC1 group and the GC and CL groups. Conclusions: This study concluded that obturation technique and the materials used significantly affect the total volume of obturation material and potential for voids.

How Our Software Was Used

Dragonfly was used to convert nano-CT images to a .TIF format.

Author Affiliation

(1) Postgraduate Endodontic Program, Detroit Mercy Dental (Detroit, MI).

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