A NEW NONINSTRUMENTAL TECHNIQUE FOR CLEANING AND FILLING ROOT CANALS

The aim of this in vitro study was to test the ability of a novel non- instrumental technique to prepare and obturate root canals. Cleaning o f the root canal system was achieved with a device which was able to d evelop, under reduced pressure, controlled cavitation. The same device was used for proper drying and subsequent obturation of the root cana l system. A total of 55 freshly extracted molars with 120 canals were treated either by the step-back technique and lateral condensation of gutta-percha and AH26 as a sealer or by the new device. The teeth were then sectioned horizontal to the long axis of the root canal and exam ined by light microscopy. The cross-sectional area, area with residual pulpal tissue and voids were assessed morphometrically. Overall, the treatment with the new device resulted in similar cleanliness and obtu ration quality when compared with the control group. Total treatment t ime using the new noninstrumental technique, however, was less than ha lf of that using hand instrumentation.