The long-term sealing ability of an epoxy resin root canal sealer used with five gutta percha obturation techniques

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term sealing ability (both apical and coronal) of an epoxy resin root canal sealer (AH26) when used with different gutta-percha obturation techniques. METHODOLOGY: Straight single-rooted teeth with mature apices were divided into 10 groups of 75 teeth and one group of 40 control teeth. Root canals were prepared according to the crown-down/step-back technique and using both 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and an EDTA paste. Root canals were obturated using cold lateral condensation, warm vertical condensation and hybrid condensation of gutta-percha; and with Thermafil and Soft-Core obturators. AH26 was used as the sealer in all cases. After root canal filling, each group was divided into five individual groups of 15 teeth. The first group of 15 teeth was kept for 1 day, the second for 1 week, the third for 4 months, the fourth for 6 months and the fifth for 12 months at 37 degrees C in vacutainers in 80% relative humidity. The teeth were immersed in India ink for 90 h, each root was split and sectioned longitudinally, and the maximum extent of leakage was measured using a stereomicroscope at x6 magnification. RESULTS: Leakage occurred whatever filling technique was combined with AH26. The number of teeth with gross leakage increased with time up to 4 months, but did not appear to increase between 6 and 12 months storage. The degree of apical leakage and the number of leaking teeth in the Soft-Core obturator groups was significantly higher than all four other gutta-percha obturation techniques. Up to 4 months the degree of coronal leakage and the number of leaking teeth in the Thermafil groups was significantly higher than the other gutta-percha obturation techniques, except for Soft-Core. In the Soft-Core obturator groups the degree of coronal leakage and the number of leaking teeth was significantly higher than the other gutta-percha obturation techniques, except for Thermafil at all evaluation times. CONCLUSION: The hybrid gutta-percha condensation technique was superior to the other four obturation techniques in respect of apical leakage. Coronal leakage was significantly greater during the first 4 months for the Thermafil system as compared to the three condensation techniques; coronal leakage was significantly greater at all time periods for the Soft-Core system. There were no significant differences between the Thermafil and the Soft-core system.     

Effectiveness of different obturation techniques in the filling of simulated lateral canals

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the ability of lateral compaction of gutta-percha and of five thermoplasticized gutta-percha filling techniques to obturate simulated lateral canals. Sixty extracted single-rooted human teeth were instrumented at the working length to a #35 file before creating three simulated lateral canals on the mesial and distal surfaces of the root, one in each third, using a #15 engine reamer. After enlarging root canals to a #45 file, the teeth were randomly divided into six equal groups of 10 and obturated according to the following techniques: lateral compaction of gutta-percha (group A), hybrid technique (group B), Ultrafil (group C), Obtura II (group D), System B + Obtura II (group E), and Thermafil (group F). AH26 was used as the sealer. A greater number of simulated lateral canals were obturated when Ultrafil, Thermafil, and System B + Obtura II were used, in comparison with canals obturated with the hybrid technique, Obtura II, or lateral compaction of gutta-percha. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between results obtained in the obturation of simulated lateral canals in the different thirds of the root (p > 0.05).     

The effect of two different root canal sealers and smear layer on resistance to root fracture

The purpose of this in vitro study was to test the effect of Ketac-Endo (KE) and AH 26 on resistance to root fracture and also to evaluate the effect of smear layer. Seventy-two human maxillary canine teeth were randomly divided into six groups (n = 12) and were prepared using six different methods: group 1: KE, without smear layer (smear -); group 2: KE, with smear layer (smear +); group 3: AH 26, smear (-); group 4: AH 26, smear (+); group 5 (negative control): nonprepared; group 6 (positive control): prepared but unfilled. After storing 1 week in 100% humidity at 37 degrees C, the coronal lingual walls and root canal spaces were lowered 2 mm below the buccal walls of the roots. The samples were placed into acrylic resin blocks so that 10 mm of buccal roots were exposed and were placed in a specially designed steel pad at an angle of 15 degrees to the long axis of the root. A slowly increasing force was applied at the junction of the buccal wall and root canal space until fracture occurred. The force required to fracture each tooth was recorded as kg and statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Duncan tests. The results indicated that instrumentation of the root canals significantly weakened the tooth structure to fracture (p < 0.05). The canals obturated with either sealer were significantly stronger than roots whose canals were instrumented but not obturated (p < 0.05), and there was no difference between the sealers. The presence or absence of the smear layer did not cause any significant effect on the root fracture resistance of the teeth (p > 0.05).     

Apical sealing ability of 2 epoxy resin-based sealers used with root canal obturation techniques based on warm gutta-percha compared to cold lateral condensation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the apical sealing ability of 2 epoxy resin-based root canal sealers used with 2 different warm gutta-percha obturation techniques and cold lateral condensation. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The root canals of 72 freshly extracted single-root incisors were prepared and randomly assigned to 6 experimental groups. Root canal fillings were performed using either cold lateral condensation, warm vertical condensation, or Thermafil obturators with EndoRez or AH Plus as sealer. After root canal filling, the teeth were stored in 5% methylene blue solution for 7 days. Linear dye penetration was measured in bisected specimens by a calibrated investigator using a light microscope. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed significantly higher penetration depths in groups where EndoRez was used (P < .05, Tukey test). Regarding the different obturation techniques, the least amount of dye penetration was observed for AH Plus and EndoRez when warm vertical condensation was used. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the apical sealing ability of EndoRez is not as effective as that of AH Plus. Thermafil obturators and warm vertical condensation achieved seals with low dye penetration depth. The use of these techniques might decrease the risk of apical leakage.     

Comparison of cold lateral compaction and continuous wave of obturation techniques following manual or rotary instrumentation

AIM: To compare different combinations of root canal preparation and obturation technique. METHODOLOGY: A total of 48 freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors were divided into two identical groups on the basis of root canal length and apical diameter. The root canals were prepared by manual crown-down pressureless technique or with a rotary system (ProFile; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) in a crown-down technique. The coronal diameter and apical size of the root canals were standardized in both preparation techniques. Each main group was then divided into two subgroups and obturated with either cold lateral compaction or continuous wave of obturation with System B (EIE-Analytic Technology, Orange, CA, USA). The distribution of filling material in each canal was assessed by stereomicroscopic examination of eight cross-sections on each tooth. Areas of sealer, gutta-percha and voids were measured on the digital images of a total of 384 samples. Manipulation time and apical extrusion for each group was also determined. Data were statistically analysed using Kruskal-Wallis, anova (Bonferroni/Dunn) or Student's t-test. RESULTS: The percentage of sealer, gutta-percha and voids area between the obturation techniques was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Continuous wave groups had significantly more apical extrusion of sealer (P < 0.05), while none of the obturation techniques had gutta-percha extrusion. Rotary instrumentation was significantly faster than the manual technique (P < 0.05); continuous wave obturation was significantly faster than lateral compaction (P < 0.05). Total manipulation time in the rotary/continuous wave group was significantly shorter than the other groups (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The distribution of filling materials was similar in all combinations of instrumentation and obturation techniques. The continuous wave technique was faster than lateral compaction and it extruded more sealer.     

Adaptation and sealability of two contemporary obturation techniques in the absence of the dentinal smear layer

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the adaptation and short- and long-term sealability of two different thermoplastic techniques--a core carrier technique, Thermafil; and a warm vertical continuous wave of compaction technique, System B. METHODOLOGY: Fifty-one mesial roots of mandibular molars with separate canals, patent canal orifices and curvature greater than 15 degrees were cleaned and shaped with Orifice Shapers and ProFile.04/.06 taper Ni-Ti rotary files using 5.25% NaOCl and 17% REDTA to a size 30.04 taper Profile at the apex to create a continuous tapered preparation. Canals were randomly obturated with Sealapex root canal sealer and either alpha-phase gutta-percha on a plastic Thermafil carrier, or nonstandardized beta-phase gutta-percha using the System B heat source. Proximal radiographs of roots were evaluated by three examiners based on established criteria for overall material adaptation, apical adaptation and filling material extrusion. Teeth were randomly separated into three groups of 17 each and placed in black India ink for 10 days, 24 h, or after 67 days storage in Hank's Balanced Salt Solution. All roots were demineralized and rendered transparent. Three examiners evaluated the apical leakage by the linear measurement of dye penetration under the stereo-microscope. The movement of filling material into canal irregularities was also evaluated. RESULTS: Both obturation techniques were not significantly different in the overall canal obturation and in the apical third adaptation (P > 0.05). Significantly more filling material extrusion beyond the apex was noted with the Thermafil technique (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found amongst the 67-day, 10-day and 24 h System B groups (P > 0.05). The 67-day Thermafil group showed significantly more leakage than the 10-day and 24 h Thermafil groups. There was a significant difference in the degree of leakage between the 67-day Thermafil group and the 67-day System B group (P < 0.05), but not between the 10-day and 24 h groups (P > 0.05). Both obturation techniques produced substantial filling material movement into canal irregularities. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that Thermafil demonstrated more filling material extrusion beyond the apex and significantly more long-term apical leakage.     

The long-term sealing ability of AH 26 and AH plus used with three gutta-percha obturation techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the sealability of root fillings in extracted teeth by using AH 26 and AH Plus in conjunction with three different obturation techniques. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Root canals of 940 single-rooted teeth were prepared according to the crown-down/stepback technique (using both 2.5% NaOCl and File-Eze) before lateral condensation and hybrid condensation of gutta percha or obturation with Thermafil. Teeth were immersed in India ink for 90 hours after storage for 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 6 months. The roots were split longitudinally, and the extent of dye penetration was measured using a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in apical leakage within the AH 26 and the AH Plus groups, nor between the two sealer groups, at any observation period. Coronal leakage was significantly higher for Thermafil compared to hybrid condensation at 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks both for AH 26 and AH Plus. Coronal leakage was higher only for Thermafil compared to lateral condensation at 1 week for AH 26 and for lateral condensation compared to hybrid condensation at 1 week for AH Plus. CONCLUSION: Both AH 26 and AH Plus, when used with an identical gutta-percha obturation technique, resulted in comparable sealability at all evaluation times and in comparable coronal sealability at 1 and 6 months.     

In vivo performance of the new non-instrumentation technology (NIT) for root canal obturation

AIM: The aim of this in vivo study was to compare the radiographic quality of root fillings performed by the NIT-obturation method versus conventional mechanical obturation. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-six patients needing root canal treatment participated in this study. The treatments were performed by three private practitioners. The root canals were instrumented with K-Flexofiles to a master apical file between sizes 25 and 60, followed by step-back flaring up to size 70. Copious irrigation was used throughout the instrumentation procedure with NaOCl (3%). The teeth were obturated either by lateral condensation, the McSpadden technique (control) or by the new non-instrumentation technology (NIT) with and without using gutta-percha points. In the NIT method, a low pressure was created within the tooth, and AH 26 sealer was sucked into the root canal system. Radiographs of the root-filled teeth were analysed and the length of the root filling, the presence of voids and the area of any other fillings determined. RESULTS: The root canal fillings of the control group (0.1 +/- 0.1 mm) and those of the NIT/gutta-percha group (0.3 +/- 0.1 mm) were both overextended when taking the apical constriction as a reference point. Root canal fillings of the NIT/gutta-percha group were statistically (P < 0.05) significantly longer than those of the NIT without gutta-percha group. The latter showed slightly underextended root canal fillings (-0.14 +/- 0.1 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation demonstrated the performance of the NIT-obturation method in vivo. Root canals filled by the reduced-pressure-method using sealer combined with gutta-percha cones exhibited equivalent radiographic quality compared to conventionally filled canals.     

Thermafil根管充填技术的临床评价

目的 :研究Thermafil根管充填技术的效果。方法 :选择牙髓病或根尖周病患者 60例 ,按就诊顺序随机分为 2组。即Thermafil根管充填组 (TC组 )和冷牙胶侧方加压充填组 (LC组 )。对 2组的根管充填时间、术中疼痛情况和根管充填效果进行比较。术后 3个月和 6个月进行复查 ,并拍摄X线片。结果 :以牙为单位 ,TC组适充 18颗 ,超充 11颗 ,欠充 1颗 ;在LC组中 ,适充 2 7颗 ,超充 3颗 ,无欠充 (P <0 .0 5)。TC组术中不适 4颗 ,LC组 2颗 (P >0 .0 5)。以根管为单位 ,根管充填时间Thermafil充填技术组平均 3 6.6s/根管 ,LC组平均 2 47.4s/根管 (P <0 .0 1)。结论 :Thermafil充填技术临床操作简便省时 ,但容易造成超充     

Effect of different rotary instrumentation techniques and thermoplastic filling on apical sealing

The aim of this study was to evaluate apical sealing after root canal treatment using two different rotary instrumentation techniques and two thermoplastic root canal filling techniques. The study was performed in 115 human extracted mandibular premolars. After coronary access the apical foramen was opened with a # 15 K file 1 mm beyond the apex. Cleaning and shaping was subsequently carried out at the working length, 1 mm from the apex, with ProFile .04/.06 system (Dentsply/Maillefer), Quantec (Analytic Endodontics/Kerr) or by the step-back technique with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution as irrigating solution. The root canals were filled with Thermafil (Dentsply/Maillefer) or Microseal (Analytic Endodontics/Kerr) or by lateral condensation technique using AH Plus sealer (epoxy type). The teeth were immersed in 2% methylene blue under vacuum. Then, they were longitudinally sectioned. The results showed that the association of Profile and Thermafil Plus provide the best results (p<0.05). In conclusion, the association of different rotary instrumentation techniques and different filling systems influenced the apical sealing.     

Leakage along warm gutta-percha fillings in the apical canals of curved roots

The aim of this study was to investigate the leakage along the apical portion of warm gutta-percha obturated curved canals. Human mandibular premolars with single, curved (21 degrees-40 degrees) canals were prepared using the Lightspeed technique. Two groups of prepared canals, matched according to curvature and prevalence of apical transportation, were obturated by two techniques. Coronal gutta-percha was removed immediately after root obturation was completed to simulate the procedure for post space preparation. Leakage along the apical 3 mm of root filling was measured with a fluid transport device. Vertical condensation of warm gutta-percha and Pulp Canal Sealer provided less leakage than Thermafil plastic obturators and AH26 sealer (P = 0.002).     

Sealing ability of Thermafil with and without sealer.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the apical sealing ability of root canals filled using three obturating techniques. Sixteen maxillary first molars were obturated with Thermafil, 16 with Thermafil and a ZOE sealer, and 16 with laterally condensed gutta-percha. Two canal instrumentation methods were used, conventional step-back preparation with K-Flex files and traditional instrumentation combining reaming with reamers and filing with K-Flex files. Following obturation, the teeth were prepared for evaluation of the seal using India ink and a Profile Projector. The depth of penetration of the dye was statistically evaluated for each of the three roots with an analysis of variance. For sealing ability, there was no significant difference at the p < 0.05 level between the conventional step-back preparation and the traditional instrumentation technique. However, a significant difference was present at the p < 0.05 level for the obturation techniques. The mean linear dye penetration for the Thermafil technique was greater than that for lateral condensation.     

Fracture resistance of roots endodontically treated with a new resin filling material

BACKGROUND: The authors evaluated the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth filled with either gutta-percha or a new resin-based obturation material. METHODS: The authors prepared and randomly divided 80 single-canal extracted teeth into five groups: lateral and vertical condensation with gutta-percha, lateral and vertical condensation with the new resin-based obturation material, and a control group with no filling material. The specimens were stored in 100 percent humidity for two weeks, mounted in polyester resin and loaded to failure. RESULTS: The authors found statistically significant differences among the experimental groups (P < .05). The groups with the new material displayed higher mean fracture loads and the gutta-percha groups lower mean fracture load values than the control unfilled group. However, the differences were not significant. The groups with the new material displayed significantly higher mean fracture loads than gutta-percha groups independent of the filling technique used. CONCLUSIONS: Filling the canals with the new resin-based obturation material increased the in vitro resistance to fracture of endodontically treated single-canal extracted teeth when compared with standard gutta-percha techniques. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS; If other properties of the new resin-based obturation material compare favorably with those of gutta-percha for filling the root canal, it should be considered as a replacement for gutta-percha, as the results of this study indicate that it could provide enhanced resistance to tooth fracture.     

Effect of three different sealers on the sealing ability of both thermafil obturators and cold laterally compacted Gutta-Percha

The purpose of this study was to assess the seal obtained in straight and curved root canals filled with either laterally compacted gutta-percha or Thermafil obturators. Each technique was used in combination with three different sealers (RSA RoekoSeal, AH Plus, AH 26). Thermafil obturators were also used without sealer, resulting in a total of 14 test groups of 16 teeth each. Sixty teeth served as positive or negative controls. Included in the study were 142 extracted teeth with straight and 142 with curved root canals. All canals were enlarged up to size 40. After obturation, all roots were placed in India ink for 48 h and rendered transparent to measure the maximum linear dye penetration. Canals filled with Thermafil obturators had significantly more extrusion of filling material than canals filled by lateral compaction (p < 0.01). Thermafil without sealer showed significantly greater dye penetration compared with all other groups both in straight and in curved canals (p < 0.05). As long as a sealer was used, the seal obturated with Thermafil was equivalent in terms of dye penetration to lateral compaction. There were no statistical differences in the mean apical dye penetration among the three sealers. The differences between the dye penetration in straight and in curved canals were insignificant for all groups (p > 0.05). Under the conditions of this study, Thermafil obturators achieved seals comparable to lateral compaction, as long as a sealer was used.     

An assessment of the plastic Thermafil obturation technique

Adaptation and placement of alpha-phase gutta-percha delivered with a plastic core-carrier, Thermafil, was compared to the lateral condensation of gutta-percha in a specific tooth model. Fifty-one mandibular molar roots with separate canals, patent canal orifices and curvatures greater than 15 degrees were cleaned and shaped with K-files and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite to a size 30 at the apex, and flared with Hedstrom flies to create a continuously tapering funnel preparation. Canals were randomly obturated with Sealapex root canal sealer and either alpha-phase gutta-percha on a plastic Thermafil carrier, or standard beta-phase gutta-percha with lateral condensation. Roots were radiographed from the proximal and evaluated by three examiners, based on established criteria for overall material adaptation, apical adaptation, and filling material extrusion. Thermafil provided a statistically significant better over-alt canal obturation (P < 0.001), while, in the apical third, both techniques were not significantly different (P > 0.05). When the apical orifice was patent there was a significant propensity for the extrusion of filling materials beyond the apex (P < 0.001) with the Thermafil technique.     

热软化牙胶插入充填法磨牙多根管充填的临床研究

目的　分析热软化牙胶插入法充填磨牙多根管的方法和其特点。方法　选择门诊磨牙尖周炎和牙髓炎患者 5 8例 ,随机分成 2组 :对照组采用牙胶侧方加压法充填 ,实验组采用热软化牙胶插入法充填。摄X线牙片比较两组根管充填效果及充填操作时间。结果　经秩和检验 ,侧方加压法组和热软化牙胶插入法组在充填弯曲根管时 ,两者充填效果总体分布有差异 ,热软化牙胶插入法充填弯曲根管效果优于侧方加压法 (U =4 4 0 1,P <0 0 1) ;而两组在较直根管充填效果差异无统计学意义 (P >0 5 ) ,两组的充填时间经t检验统计差异有显著性。结论　热软化牙胶插入法较传统牙胶侧方加压法对根管三维具有更好的适应性 ,尤其适合于弯曲根管的充填 ,操作简捷、省时。     

Radiographic evaluation of periradicular repair after endodontic treatment of dog's teeth with induced periradicular periodontitis

Eighty-four root canals of premolars from six dogs were left open for 7 days, and then sealed and followed for 45 days until periradicular periodontitis developed. The root canals were then treated endodontically using 5.25% sodium hypochlorite as the irrigating solution. After instrumentation, all root canals were filled with a calcium hydroxide-based antibacterial dressing (Calen PMCC or Calasept) that was left in place for 30 days. After this period the root canals were filled with gutta-percha cones and a root canal sealer (Sealapex or AH Plus)--group I: Calen PMCC + Sealapex; group II: Calasept + Sealapex; group III: Calen PMCC + AH Plus; and group IV: Calasept + AH Plus. Periapical radiographs of the teeth were made after root canal filling and after 90, 180, 270, and 360 days. Radiographic images were digitalized by scanning, and the Mocha program was used to measure the periapical lesions. Analysis showed that the lesions of groups I to III were statistically similar reduction in size, whereas group IV had a smaller reduction in lesion size (p < 0.05).     

Effect of obturation technique on sealer cement thickness and dentinal tubule penetration

AIM: To compare the average sealer cement film thickness and the extent and pattern of sealer penetration into dentinal tubules in association with four obturation techniques in curved root canals. METHODOLOGY: Mesial canals of 44 extracted mandibular molars were randomly divided among the SimpliFill, continuous wave, Thermafil and 0.04 matched taper (master cones) lateral compaction obturation groups (22 canals per group). AH26 sealer cement was coloured blue-black using Sudan Black B dye. Roots were sectioned 1, 3 and 5 mm from the working length. Specimens were photographed under 25x magnification, mounted as 35 mm slides and projected. Average sealer cement thickness (measured at 10 points around the canal wall), depth of dentinal tubule penetration and frequency of voids were determined at the 1, 3 and 5 mm levels. Data were analysed statistically for effect of obturation technique and level of section on sealer thickness and on the depth and distribution of tubule penetration. RESULTS: Thermafil demonstrated superior GP adaptation at all levels with a mean overall sealer cement thickness of 2.2 microm, followed by lateral compaction (11.1 microm), continuous wave (12.2 microm) and SimpliFill (47.6 microm). SimpliFill also demonstrated the highest frequency of voids (P < 0.05). Sealer cement penetrated dentinal tubules as far as the outer one-third of dentine, with greater penetration observed buccally or lingually (P < 0.001). Penetration was not significantly affected by obturation technique, but on average was deeper and more frequent at the 3 and 5 mm levels than at the 1 mm level (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sealer thickness was strongly dependent on obturation technique. Assuming that minimal sealer thickness and fewer voids are good measures of long-term sealing ability, Thermafil resulted in the best outcome. Consistent, extensive sealer penetration into dentinal tubules was seen and was unrelated to the obturation technique.     

Evaluation of Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation and GentleWave System as Adjuvants in Endodontic Retreatment

IntroductionNonsurgical endodontic retreatment continues to be a challenge in endodontics, particularly when dealing with a complex tooth anatomy. This study evaluated the efficacy of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and the GentleWave system as supplementary techniques to remove remaining filling materials from oval-shaped root canals.MethodsTwenty distal roots of human mandibular molars with single and oval-shaped canals were shaped with R40 (40.06) instrument and filled with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer using warm vertical obturation. Initial filling material removal was performed with R50 (50.05) instrument, followed by the use of PUI (n = 10) or GentleWave system (n = 10). Micro-computed tomographic images were obtained after obturation, initial material removal, and after the use of PUI and GentleWave. The volume of remaining filling material was calculated for the entire canal as well as for the coronal, middle, and apical thirds. Statistical analyses were performed by using analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. P ≤ .05 was considered significant.ResultsThe use of PUI and GentleWave as supplementary techniques significantly reduced the volume of remaining filling material after initial instrumentation (P < .05). However, none of these techniques was able to render canals free from filling materials. PUI showed better performance by removing 18% of the remaining filling material, whereas the GentleWave system was able to remove approximately 10% (P = .02).ConclusionsThe use of supplementary techniques optimized filling material removal after initial instrumentation. PUI enhanced the overall cleaning of the root canal system during endodontic retreatment in oval-shaped canals.     

Comparative study of removal of current endodontic fillings

The aim of the present study was to assess the removability of canal fillings performed by using current methods during re-treatment with rotary instruments. Seventy-two freshly extracted human anterior teeth with single straight root canals were instrumented with Mtwo rotary files. The teeth were randomly divided into 4 obturation groups of 18 specimens each as follows: group 1, Resilon and Epiphany; group 2, GuttaFlow obturation system; group 3, EndoTwinn obturation system; group 4, gutta-percha with AH Plus sealer. The filled canals were re-treated by using Mtwo-Retreatment instruments and Mtwo instruments. The time required to remove the obturation material was recorded. After splitting the roots, the amount of residual filling material on the canal walls was imaged and measured with image analyzer software. Statistical analysis was accomplished by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests for the analysis of root canal cleanliness. There was no statistically significant difference among the 4 filling techniques regarding the amount of residual material in the apical, middle, and coronal thirds and inside the whole canal area (P > .05). Regarding the mean time of re-treatment, the fillings performed by using GuttaFlow and EndoTwinn methods were removed much more quickly compared with the other 2 methods (P < .001). It was observed that the fillings performed with the above canal filling methods were removed in a similar fashion with rotary instruments during re-treatment.