Endoflas, zinc oxide eugenol and metapex as root canal filling materials in primary molars--a comparative clinical study

Abstract

Several materials have been used to fill root canals of primary teeth. Traditionally, zinc oxide eugenol was used for the purpose, until the introduction of calcium hydroxide and iodoform based materials. Another root canal filling material that contains zinc oxide eugenol, calcium hydroxide and iodoform is commercially available as Endoflas. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Endoflas, zinc oxide eugenol and Metapex as root canal filling materials.

Method: A total of forty-five primary molars from children aged 5-9 years were selected for a one stage pulpectomy procedure. Teeth were randomly divided into three groups of fifteen teeth each based on the type of root canal filling material used. All the molars were evaluated clinically and radiographically at regular intervals of 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. The observations were tabulated and statistically analyzed.

Results: Endoflas and zinc oxide eugenol showed 93.3% success, whereas a higher percentage of success was observed with Metapex (100%). Overfilling and voids were more commonly seen in teeth filled with Metapex.

Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the three root canal filling materials.