Effect of Post Space Preparation on Apical Obturation Quality of Teeth Obturated with Different Techniques: A Micro-computed Tomographic Study

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the obturation quality of root canals filled with different techniques and to determine whether post space preparation had an effect on the quality of apical obturation using micro computed tomographic (micro-CT) imaging. Methods: The root canals of 30 human mandibular premolar teeth were instrumented, and the specimens were divided into 3 groups according to the obturation technique used: cold lateral compaction (CLC), warm vertical compaction (WVC), or single-cone (SC) techniques. The specimens were stored at 37 degrees C and 100% humidity for 1 week. Then, the coronal root filling material was removed in order to create a post space. Micro-CT scans were performed before and after post space preparation for the volumetric analysis of voids and filling materials. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni tests. Results: The CLC and SC groups showed a significantly greater percentage volume of voids than the WVC group (P < .05), whereas no significant difference was found between the CLC and SC groups before and after post space preparation (P> .05). The post space preparation caused a significant increase in the percentage volume of voids in the CLC and SC groups (P < .05). No significant difference was detected in the percentage volume of voids in the WVC group after post space preparation (P> .05). Conclusions: No root fillings were void free. The WVC group presented the best obturation quality. The post space preparation negatively influenced the apical integrity of the filling materials in the CLC and SC groups, whereas it had no significant effect in the WVC group.