Intracanal placement of Ca(OH)2: a comparison of techniques.

Ten extracted human maxillary first molars were selected with a variety of root curvatures. The distofacial roots were resected and the mesiofacial canals were instrumented to a size #25 K file. Three techniques were used to introduce Ca(OH)2 paste into the instrumented canals. These techniques were evaluated for their ability to carry the Ca(OH)2 to working length and also to produce a dense fill. The Lentulo spiral was most effective in carrying the paste to working length. The Lentulo spiral also produced the highest quality fill. The Calasept injection system followed by a #25 finger plugger was the second most effective technique. Counterclockwise rotation of a #25 K file was the least effective of the techniques tested.