Analysis of the endogrammes developed during obturations on extracted teeth using system B

The ability of an obturation technique to fill the root canal system tridim ensional ly depends partially on the timing and intensity of force applicat ions. The aim of this study was to use the Endographe to analyze the forces and wedging effects developed in the root canal using a new obturation tec hnique: System B. This system uses a heat plugger that simultaneously heats and pushes gutta-percha. The plugger was used to soften and move the gutta -percha apically during the down-pack stage. Two different methods, however , were used to withdraw the plugger from the compacted gutta-percha. One us ed the burst heat method, and the: other was cold withdrawal. Five endodont ists performed 50 obturations of prepared extracted teeth and 50 obturation s of the "wedging effect" holder of the Endographe. The practitioner-obtura tion assignment was randomized. For each obturation the! biggest plugger po ssible in relationship to the shape of the canal was chosen. For the obtura tion of the special holder the same tip was chosen. Endogrammes showed the force application and wedging effect sequences. The mean values for the ver tical and horizontal forces and the wedging effect were, respectively, 16 /- 2N, 5 +/- 1N, and 9 +/- 1N. These results suggest that System B is one o f the best techniques in terms of the developed vertical forces (low values ) and the resulting wedging! effect (high values) in relationship to the pl asticity of the gutta-percha. The Endogrammes provide a new approach to the analysis of obturation techniques and a means to demonstrate correct and o ptimal manipulation of the new System B plugger.