(PR69) Evaluating In Vitro Performance of Void Removal Completed After Continuous Wave Obturation in Replicated Model of Mandibular Second Premolars

The quality of obturation of the root canal system has been associated with endodontic treatment success. Unfortunately, complex root canal morphology, along with limitations in current preparation and filling techniques, make it difficult to achieve consistently void-free obturation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze two techniques for void removal following root canal obturation.

Methods: 42 3-D printed second premolars with single canals were instrumented and obturated using the “continuous wave” condensation technique, intentionally leaving a 4 mm void. Teeth were then randomly divided into two groups based on void removal technique: Group 1: "Burn down” using System B instrument at 200 degrees Celsius and Group 2: “Pacmac” instrument inserted to level of void and activated for 10 seconds. After void removal was attempted, a PA image was exposed to facilitate a volumetric mixed model to determine the differences between the two techniques (p < 0.05).

Results: Premolars in Group 1 (System B) had a mean initial volume of 0.16 mm³ and mean final volume of 0.15 mm³. In contrast, premolars from Group 2 (Pacmac) had mean initial and final volumes of 0.12 mm³ and 0.06 mm³ respectively. Results indicate there was no statistically significant difference in initial, final, or change in void volume between the filling materials and root canal walls in the two groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: According to this in vitro study, the Pacmac technique for void removal decreased the overall unfilled canal space, creating an increased density of obturation material. However, the difference was not significant.