Evaluation of the quality of different endodontic obturation techniques by digital radiography

Objectives

This study was aimed to evaluate different endodontic obturation techniques (Thermafil, lateral condensation, and Tagger’s hybrid technique) regarding the homogeneity of the obturation radiopacity.

Materials and methods

Seventy roots of human upper central incisors were filled using the Thermafil system, lateral condensation. and Tagger’s hybrid technique. Radiopacity of the filling was evaluated based on mean of grey levels, and its homogeneity was assessed by the coefficient of variation (CV), analyzing the histograms obtained of digitized and digital radiographs.

Results

The increase in mean grey levels (p?p?Conclusions Tagger’s hybrid technique provided better homogeneity of the obturation radiopacity and better apical sealing compared with lateral condensation technique.

Clinical relevance

The results suggest that Tagger’s hybrid technique provided the best compaction of the root canal filling material, an important factor for the sealing of obturations and, consequently, for the effectiveness of treatment.