Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Successful endodontic treatment depends upon the quality of root canal preparation, three dimensional obturation and the coronal restoration. It is generally accepted that root fillings should contain more gutta-percha and less sealer. This may be more important when filling root canals with resorptive lacunae. Aim of the study: To compare density of gutta percha used as obturation material in different obturation techniques. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics of dental institution. For the study, we selected 60 extracted maxillary central incisors with single canal and completed apex. Teeth with morphological and developmental anomalies were excluded from the study. Now, the prepared teeth were randomly grouped into 2 groups with 30 teeth in each group, Group LC and Group MLC. In group LC, the obturation was performed using conventional lateral condensation technique (LC) employing finger spreaders and in group MLC, the obturation was done using mechanical lateral condensation technique (MLC) employing a reciprocating handpiece for the same. Results: Teeth were randomly grouped into two groups with 30 teeth in each group. Teeth were weighed before and after the completion of obturation. The difference between initial and final weight after obturation of teeth was calculated. The mean weight of gutta percha for Group LC was 9.09 + 0.82 g and Group MLC was 12.48 + 0.36 g. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that the density of gutta percha was comparatively more in teeth obturated with mechanical lateral condensation technique as compared to conventional lateral condensation technique of obturation. Keywords: Root canal treatment, obturation technique, gutta percha