The effect of operator experience in locating additional canals in maxillary molars.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of operator experience on the ability to locate and fill extra canals in maxillary first and second molars in vivo. The number of canals located and filled from maxillary first and second molars was recorded from three endodontic residents during the first 6 months of their training, and then compared to the last 6 months of their training in a 2-yr endodontic residency program. Data from each resident was collected and compiled together.

A fluid filtration comparison of gutta-percha versus Resilon, a new soft resin endodontic obturation system.

The purpose of this study was to compare the sealing ability of gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer versus Resilon and Epiphany Resin Root Canal sealer using three different final irrigants with the fluid filtration model. There were 140 teeth prepared using a crown-down method to a size 50 file. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups: (A) GP and AH Plus and (B) Resilon and Epiphany.

Comparison of the obturation density of cold lateral compaction versus warm vertical compaction using the continuous wave of condensation technique.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare quantitatively the density of standard cold lateral gutta-percha compaction and warm vertical compaction by using the continuous wave of condensation technique. Forty transparent acrylic blocks with 30-degree, curved root canals were instrumented using Gates Glidden burs and Profile 0.06 taper rotary nickel-titanium files in a crown-down manner.

Effect of 2% chlorhexidine gel as an intracanal medication on the apical seal of the root-canal system.

The purpose of this study was to determine what effect intracanal medications might have on the apical seal of the root-canal system. Forty-two teeth were cleaned and shaped in a crown-down manner to a size #50 K-file. The teeth were divided into three groups: (A) immediate obturation; (B) intracanal placement of calcium hydroxide placed for 14 days; and (C) 2% chlorhexidine gel placed for 14 days.

Intracanal placement of calcium hydroxide: a comparison of techniques, revisited.

The goal of this in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of three different placement techniques of calcium hydroxide paste in a curved canal. An acrylic resin block with a 44-degree curvature was instrumented to a #40 Flex-R file. The canal was filled with radiopaque calcium hydroxide paste using the following techniques: group 1, the paste was injected with an Ultradent tip; group 2, the paste was injected as in group 1 and followed by a size 35 Lentulo to working length; and group 3, the paste was placed with a size 35 Lentulo only, to working length.

Canal configuration in the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary first molar: a descriptive study.

This study investigated the morphology of the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary first molar. One hundred ten extracted maxillary first molars were accessed. The first and second mesiobuccal canals were exposed, soaked in black India ink, decalcified, dehydrated, and made transparent.