PURPOSE: To evaluate the filling ability of System-B continuous wave obturation technique to artificial lateral canals of different diameters and at different levels. METHODS: Forty extracted single-rooted human teeth were randomly divided into two groups. Standardized artificial lateral canals were created at 3, 6 and 9 mm from the apical foramen(AF) with K-file size 8 and 15. After preparation, the specimens were filled with System-B continuous wave vertical compaction or lateral compaction with cold gutta-percha. Transparent teeth were prepared. The filling situation of the lateral canals were measured with a stereoscope and statistically analyzed using SPSS 13.0 software package. RESULTS: The filling rate of the System-B continuous wave obturation technique group(85.00%) was significantly higher than CLC technique group(49.17%) (P<0.05). Significant difference in filling rate and filling length was found between 3 mm, 6 mm and 9 mm from the AF when using the System-B continuous wave obturation technique(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between 6 mm and 9 mm from the AF(P>0.05). Lateral canals produced by K-file size 15 group were filled better than K-file size 8 group(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The filling situation with the System-B continuous wave obturation technique is better than with CLC technique. The System-B continuous wave obturation technique fills differently to lateral canals with different diameters and at different levels.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the filling ability of System-B continuous wave obturation technique to artificial lateral canals of different diameters and at different levels. METHODS: Forty extracted single-rooted human teeth were randomly divided into two groups. Standardized artificial lateral canals were created at 3, 6 and 9 mm from the apical foramen(AF) with K-file size 8 and 15. After preparation, the specimens were filled with System-B continuous wave vertical compaction or lateral compaction with cold gutta-percha. Transparent teeth were prepared. The filling situation of the lateral canals were measured with a stereoscope and statistically analyzed using SPSS 13.0 software package. RESULTS: The filling rate of the System-B continuous wave obturation technique group(85.00%) was significantly higher than CLC technique group(49.17%) (P<0.05). Significant difference in filling rate and filling length was found between 3 mm, 6 mm and 9 mm from the AF when using the System-B continuous wave obturation technique(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between 6 mm and 9 mm from the AF(P>0.05). Lateral canals produced by K-file size 15 group were filled better than K-file size 8 group(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The filling situation with the System-B continuous wave obturation technique is better than with CLC technique. The System-B continuous wave obturation technique fills differently to lateral canals with different diameters and at different levels.