Automated thermatic condensation of gutta-percha root fillings in teeth with open (immature) apices

Abstract

Forty upper human premolar teeth with open (immature) apices were root filled by one of three methods, namely lateral condensation with sealer, automated thermatic condensation with sealer, and automated thermatic condensation without sealer. The completed root fillings were then assessed for apical defects, apical extrusions, radiographic voids, apical seal and surface adaptation. The majority of the results indicate that the automated thermatic technique without sealer produces marginally better root fillings in teeth with open apices than the other two methods. However, it is impossible to say whether this would confer any clinical advantage on the technique. The authors recommend that clinicians who wish to use the automated thermatic technique for condensing gutta-percha become highly proficient before its use on patients.