Effectiveness of Conventional and three different Rotary Retreatment techniques in canalsobturated with Gutta Percha: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

Aim: This study compared the efficacy of gutta percha removal by conventional and three different rotary retreatment systems during retreatment procedures. Methodology: Forty extracted single rooted maxillary central incisors were collected and obturated after cleaning and shaping. Samples were divided into four groups depending upon retreatment method. Group I: H-FILES Group II: PROTAPER RETREATMENT Group III: R ENDO SYSTEM Group IV: GPX SYSTEM After retreatment, samples were split longitudinally and observed by scanning electron microscopy. Amount of remaining filling material, smear layer and surface profile within each third of the canal was assessed. Results were subjected to statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon test. Results: In coronal and middle third, the remaining debris and smear layer were effectively removed by Protaper retreatment files and R Endo followed by GPX and Hand files. All techniques left filling debris especially in apical third. All groups showed similar effect in surface profile after retreatment.