Comparative evaluation of different obturation techniques in primary molars: An in vivo study

Aim: The study was undertaken to compare the filling quality of a 30 gauge cannula (NaviTip™, Ultradent Inc., South Jordan, UT, USA) used on a pressure syringe with a lentulospiral in primary molars. Materials and Methods: Thirty mandibular first and second primary molars in 28 healthy children of both sexes in the age group of 4-8 years were included in the study. All pulpectomy procedures were performed by one investigator. Before obturation, the subjects were randomly selected for the two obturation techniques. Effectiveness of the two obturation techniques was assessed by three independent evaluators using postoperative radiographs taken immediately after each obturation. Filling quality was determined by analyzing presence or absence of voids, extent of fill and apical seal. Results: The results of the obturation quality of the tested techniques were collected and statistically analyzed using chi-square test. There was a significant difference for the presence of voids between the two groups. NaviTip group showed the best results for the number of voids (mesial χ 2 = 3.567, P = 0.0497) (distal χ 2 = 5.058, P = 0.0269). The lentulospiral group showed more number of optimal fillings. When results were compared in terms of apical seal, NaviTip showed better apical seal but statistically no difference ( P >.05). Conclusion: Lentulospiral produced the best results in terms of length of obturation, while NaviTip syringe was efficient enough in controlling voids and produced the best results for apical seal.