AN IN-VITRO COMPARISON OF INCOMPLETE ROOT FRACTURES ASSOCIATED WITH 3OBTURATION TECHNIQUES

This study compared the incidence of incomplete root fractures among f ive groups of mandibular incisors (20/group). The groups were: (a) no canal preparation, (b) canal preparation, (c) canal preparation and ob turation with laterally condensed gutta-percha, (d) canal preparation and obturation with thermoplasticized gutta-percha on a central carrie r (Thermafil), and (e) canal preparation and obturation with thermopla sticized injectable gutta-percha (Ultrafil). Following experimental ma nipulation, all teeth were stained, transversely sectioned, and evalua ted for the presence of root fracture. No complete root fractures were noted. The lowest incidence of stained incomplete fracture was found in the no canal preparation group. The canal preparation, lateral cond ensation, Ultrafil, and Thermafil groups had more incomplete fractures than the no canal preparation group. The incidence of stained fractur e in the three obturation groups was not significantly different from the incidence in the group which had only canal preparation.