Root canal obturation materials and filling techniques for primary teeth: In vitro evaluation in polymer‐based prototyped incisors

Background Achieving a void‐free root canal filling is a challenge in current clinical pulpectomy practice. Aim To compare filling effectiveness and internal voids of root filling materials and obturation techniques in resin‐prototyped primary incisors by micro‐CT. Design Fifty prototypes were instrumented and randomly divided (n = 10) according to the filling materials (Vitapex®, ZOE, Calcicur®, Feapex, and Calen®‐ZO) and obturation technique: lentulo or pressure syringe (n = 5). The specimens were micro‐CT scanned (pixel size = 7.83 μm) and reconstructed, and the total volume of filled canal (%FC) and internal voids (%IV) of the bulk filling material was calculated. Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney tests were used to detect differences and interactions among groups. Results Calen®‐ZO, Vitapex®, and ZOE showed similar %FC. Calcicur® showed lower %FC compared with Calen®‐ZO, Vitapex®, and ZOE (P < .05) but similar to Feapex. No statistically significant differences in %FC between lentulo or pressure syringe were disclosed. Regarding %IV, Vitapex®, and Calen®‐ZO performed better with syringe, although Calcicur® was better with lentulo. The number of voids in the obturation bulk was similar among materials, but always lower (P < .05) in syringe filled specimens. Conclusion Vitapex®, Calen®‐ZO, and ZOE outperformed Calcicur® and Feapex in %FC and if the syringe technique is used, %IV of the obturation bulk and presence of defects was lower.