Abstract

MOZARDO, Daniela Silva Barbieri et al. Effectiveness of a rotatory system for retreatment in the root canal filling removal. Rev. Assoc. Paul. Cir. Dent. [online]. 2014, vol.68, n.3, pp. 202-207. ISSN 0004-5276.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of Protaper Universal Retreatment (PUR) for the removal of root canal fillings during retreatment. Forty lower extracted premolars were endodontically treated and randomly divided into two groups (n=20), each to be retreated with Protaper Universal Retreatment system (GI) or mechanical/manual method through Gates Glidden drills and H files (GII - control group). After retreatment, buccolingual radiographs and scanning electron micrographs were obtained and the resulting images were assessed by two calibrated examiners for the presence and quantity of root canal fillings residues. The data obtained were subjected to Fisher's Exact tests, Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney post hoc tests, both adjusted to the 95% confidence interval. The proportion of residues detected in radiographic images of group 1 (PUR) was significantly higher than that of control group only in the apical third (p=0.0489). The differences in the amount of remaining residues detected microscopically in both groups were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The Protaper Universal Retreatment system was as effective as the mechanical/manual method for the removal of root canal fillings from root canals.

Keywords : root canal obturation; root canal preparation; retreatment.