Comparative evaluation of porosity distribution in root canals obturated with gutta-percha using single-cone technique and thermoplasticized technique

Introduction: The objective of the study was to comparatively evaluate the porosity distribution in the root canals obturated using the single-cone technique and thermoplasticized technique. Materials and Methods: A total of 42 permanent single-rooted human extracted teeth were divided equally into two groups based on the technique employed: single-cone technique and thermoplasticized technique. Following postobturation restoration, void volume was analyzed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and void location was evaluated by microscopic method at three levels: coronal, middle, and apical. Independent Student't-Test and Chi-square test were used for analyzing the obtained results. Results: On comparing the void volumes as seen in CBCT images between the two groups, the thermoplasticized technique showed greater but insignificant void volume (P = 0.18). When the association of the location of the void with the void area percentage was analyzed between the two techniques, significant associations were seen in the middle (P = 0.016) and the apical levels (P = 0.031). Conclusion: The single-cone technique showed a comparable seal with the thermoplasticized technique. Voids were predominantly seen at the sealer-cone interface and sealer-root canal wall interface for single-cone technique and in between the condensed gutta-percha for thermoplasticized technique.