Comparison of the Time Required for Removal of Bioceramic Sealer and Gutta-Percha with Different Techniques

Aim The aim of this study is to compare the time required for the removal of root filling material (gutta-percha and MTA Fillapex) with three different retreatment techniques - hand files, ProTaper Retreatment files and ultrasound files. Materials and methods Sixty-six anterior single rooted teeth were used in the study. They were randomly assigned into 6 experimental groups - eleven specimens each (n=11). Root canals were enlarged and filled using single-cone technique with gutta-percha and bioceramic sealer and cold lateral condensation technique. Removal of gutta-percha and sealer was performed with the following devices and techniques hand files, ProTaper Retreatment files and ultrasound files. The time needed for reaching full working length was recorded. The effectiveness of the retreatment procedure was evaluated using X-ray, computed tomography and stereomicroscope at x16 magnification. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Results No statistically significant difference was observed when comparing the time needed for the retreatment with the different techniques (p=0.732). When comparing the time needed for the retreatment of the canals filled with single cone technique and lateral condensation it was found that it took longer time to retreat canals filled with lateral condensation. The differences were statistically significant when ultrasonic files were used (p=0.016).