Evaluation of apical seal in straight canals after obturation using the lightspeed sectional method

This study evaluated the sectional gutta-percha obturation technique advoca ted by Lightspeed Technology, Inc. Single relatively straight-canaled teeth were prepared with rotary instruments and divided into three groups, Group s A and B served as controls and were obturated using laterally condensed g utta-percha and either Roth's 801 or Ketac-Endo sealer. Group C was obturat ed using the Lightspeed technique that included placement of a 5-mm apical section of gutta-percha, followed by backfill with Ketac-Endo sealer and a single gutta-percha cone. All teeth were suspended in India ink for 14 days then cleared. Four additional teeth, which were obturated as in group C th en sectioned, revealed a tightly adapted apical section of gutta-percha wit h a very thin layer of sealer, However, voids were noted in the middle and coronal areas. There was no significant difference in apical microleakage a mong the three groups, The sectional method was significantly faster than l ateral condensation and seems to offer promise as an effective obturation m ethod.