Effectiveness of Four Different Gutta-percha Techniques in Filling Experimental Internal Resorptive Lesions Using Stereomicroscope: An In Vitro Study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of four different gutta-percha (GP) obturation techniques cold lateral condensation (CLC), warm lateral condensation (WLC), thermoplasticized GP, and thermomechanical compaction (TMC) in achieving optimal filling of simulated internal resorptive defects.Materials and methods: Eighty extracted maxillary central incisors were divided into four groups (n = 20) based on the obturation techniques: CLC, WLC, thermoplasticized GP, and TMC.The samples were sectioned at the defect level, and stereomicroscopic analysis was conducted to assess the percentage of GP, sealer, and voids.Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test.Results: Thermoplasticized GP showed the highest GP percentage (89.4± 4.52%) and the least voids (2.07 ± 1.26%).Thermomechanical compaction followed with 73.71 ± 9.35% GP and 7.64 ± 6.90% voids.Warm lateral condensation exhibited 51.52 ± 10.58% GP and 29.27 ± 9.87% voids, while CLC had the lowest GP percentage (34.57± 14.26%) and the highest void percentage (42.34± 11.47%).Significant differences (p < 0.01) were noted among the groups. Conclusion:The thermoplasticized GP technique is the most effective for obturating internal resorptive defects, offering optimal sealing with minimal voids compared to other methods.Clinical significance: Choosing the appropriate obturation technique is critical in managing internal resorptive defects, which present unique anatomical challenges.Techniques like thermoplasticized GP ensure optimal adaptability and sealing, thereby minimizing voids and reducing the risk of treatment failure, ultimately enhancing long-term clinical outcomes.