Introduction: This in vitro study investigated the impact of access cavity design and obturation technique on void formation within root canal fillings.
Material and Methods : Eighty-four extracted lower first molars were allocated to two groups based on access cavity design: ultraconservative (UCAC) and traditional (TAC). Each group was further subdivided for obturation with either lateral condensation (LC) or continuous wave compaction (CWC). Stereo-microscopic analysis assessed void percentage within the obturation material in the distal canal.
Results: continuous wave obturation technique demonstrably reduced void formation compared to lateral condensation (p < 0.05), irrespective of access cavity design or location within the canal. The UCAC design exhibited a generally higher void percentage compared to TAC (p < 0.05), although the statistical significance varied depending on the obturation technique employed. The apical third of the distal canal consistently displayed the highest void percentages, likely attributable to inherent anatomical complexities.
Conclusion: These findings suggested a potential challenge in optimizing both tooth structure preservation and obturation quality. While UCAC minimizes tooth removal, it might necessitate obturation techniques like CWC that offer superior void reduction capabilities, particularly in scenarios with limited access. Further research is warranted to explore strategies for mitigating void formation in UCAC preparations and to refine obturation techniques for achieving optimal long-term outcomes in endodontic therapy.