Percentages of gutta-percha-filled canal area observed after increased apical enlargement.

Introduction: Increased apical enlargement might be achieved with S-ApeX files. However, S-ApeX preparations exhibit a small taper, which might hinder the performance of the root filling. The aim of this study was to compare the percentage of gutta-percha-filled canal areas (PGCA) in root canals after preparation with GT and S-ApeX instruments.

Methods: Four groups of maxillary lateral incisors (n = 20) were root canal treated. Canals were prepared with S-ApeX files to size 60 in 2 groups or with a GT system to size 30 taper 0.06 in other groups. Canals were filled with gutta-percha and AH26 by using a lateral compaction (LC) technique or a combined lateral and vertical compaction (LCVC) technique. Roots were then sectioned 2, 4, 6, and 8 mm from the apex. The area of the canal and gutta-percha was measured in each section, and the PGCA was calculated.

Results: The overall PGCA in the S-ApeX/LC group was significantly lower than that in other groups (analysis of variance, P = .001). The average PGCA values were 97.6%, 99.3%, and 98.5% for the GT/LC, S-ApeX/LCVC, and GT/LCVC groups, respectively. The differences between these groups were not statistically significant (analysis of variance, P = .21).

Conclusions: A combined lateral and vertical compaction technique achieved comparable PGCA in canals prepared in maxillary lateral incisors by using S-ApeX or GT instruments.