Determining the Optimal Length of Root Canal Obturations Using GuttaFlow®2 and Thermafill Systems.
Vol 9 No 2 (2025), Original Articles
Vol 9 No 2 (2025)

Determining the Optimal Length of Root Canal Obturations Using GuttaFlow®2 and Thermafill Systems.

Original Articles
https://doi.org/10.32391/ajtes.v9i2.480
Published July 20, 2025
Lindihana Emini
Department of Dental Pathology and Endodontics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Tetovo,
Jetmire Alimani-Jakupi
Department of Dental Pathology and Endodontics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Tetovo,
Nexhmije Ajeti
Department of Dental Pathology and Endodontics, UBT College, Pristina,
Amela Cana
Department of Dental Pathology and Endodontics, International Balkan University, Skopje,
Zana Jusufi-Osmani
Department of Dental Pathology and Endodontics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Tetovo,
Sahmedin Saliu
Department of Dental Pathology and Endodontics, International Balkan University, Skopje
AJTES Vol 9, No 2, July 2025
Emini, L., et al. - Determining the Optimal Length of Root Canal Obturations.

Keywords

Root canal
obturation length
micro-CT
GuttaFlow®2
Thermafill

How to Cite

Emini, L., Alimani-Jakupi, J., Ajeti, N., Cana, A., Jusufi-Osmani, Z., & Saliu, S. (2025). Determining the Optimal Length of Root Canal Obturations Using GuttaFlow®2 and Thermafill Systems. Albanian Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, 9(2), 1824 - 1828. https://doi.org/10.32391/ajtes.v9i2.480
ACM ACS APA ABNT Chicago Harvard IEEE MLA Turabian Vancouver

Download Citation

Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Abstract

Introduction: Successful endodontic therapy requires complete mechanical and chemical preparation of the root canal system, followed by three-dimensional obturation. Inadequate obturation, despite proper cleaning and shaping, may lead to treatment failure. This study aims to compare the obturation length achieved using the GuttaFlow®2 and Thermafill systems, evaluating their effectiveness through micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).

Materials and Methods: Eighty extracted human anterior teeth were decoronated 1 mm below the cementoenamel junction and randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 (n=40) was obturated with GuttaFlow®2 (Coltene/Whaledent, Germany), and Group 2 (n=40) with Thermafill (Dentsply DeTrey, Germany). All samples were scanned using a cone-beam micro-CT system (μCT 35, SCANCO Medical, Switzerland) to assess the length and quality of canal obturation.

Results: Statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test (H=4.0383, p=0.2574) showed no significant difference in obturation length between the two groups. Both cold (GuttaFlow®2) and warm (Thermafill) techniques achieved optimal filling lengths, indicating that obturation quality is not significantly influenced by the type of material or technique.

Conclusion: Both GuttaFlow®2 and Thermafill systems are effective in achieving the desired obturation length. The choice between warm and cold obturation techniques may be based on clinician preference, as neither demonstrated superiority in this study.

https://doi.org/10.32391/ajtes.v9i2.480
Emini, L., et al. - Determining the Optimal Length of Root Canal Obturations.

References

1. Barkins, W., & Montgomery, S. (1992). Evaluation of Thermafil obturation of curved canals prepared by the Canal Master-U system. Journal of endodontics, 18(6), 285–289. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0099-2399(06)80955-6
2. Burch, J. G., & Hulen, S. (1972). The relationship of the apical foramen to the anatomic apex of the tooth root. Oral surgery, oral medicine, and oral pathology, 34(2), 262–268. https://doi.org/10.1016/0030-4220(72)90418-5
3. Estrela, C., Bueno, M. R., Azevedo, B. C., Azevedo, J. R., & Pécora, J. D. (2008). A new periapical index based on cone beam computed tomography. Journal of endodontics, 34(11), 1325–1331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2008.08.013
4. Dummer, P. M., McGinn, J. H., & Rees, D. G. (1984). The position and topography of the apical canal constriction and apical foramen. International endodontic journal, 17(4), 192–198. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.1984.tb00404.x
5. Ponce, E. H., & Vilar Fernández, J. A. (2003). The cemento-dentino-canal junction, the apical foramen, and the apical constriction: evaluation by optical microscopy. Journal of endodontics, 29(3), 214–219. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004770-200303000-00013
6. Peng, L., Ye, L., Tan, H., & Zhou, X. (2007). Outcome of root canal obturation by warm gutta-percha versus cold lateral condensation: a meta-analysis. Journal of endodontics, 33(2), 106–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2006.09.010
7. Ricucci D. (1998). Apical limit of root canal instrumentation and obturation, part 1. Literature review. International endodontic journal, 31(6), 384–393. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2591.1998.00184.x
8. Arai, Y., Tammisalo, E., Iwai, K., Hashimoto, K., & Shinoda, K. (1999). Development of a compact computed tomographic apparatus for dental use. Dento maxillo facial radiology, 28(4), 245–248. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj/dmfr/4600448
9. Huumonen S, Ørstavik D. Radiological aspects of apical periodontitis. Endod Topics 2002; 1:3–25.
https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1601-1546.2002.10102.x
10. Cotti E, Campisi G. Advanced radiographic techniques for the detection of lesions in bone. Endod Topics 2004; 7:52–72. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-1546.2004.00064.x
11. Cotton, T. P., Geisler, T. M., Holden, D. T., Schwartz, S. A., & Schindler, W. G. (2007). Endodontic applications of cone-beam volumetric tomography. Journal of endodontics, 33(9), 1121–1132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2007.06.011
12. Gutmann, J. L., Saunders, W. P., Saunders, E. M., & Nguyen, L. (1993). A assessment of the plastic Thermafil obturation technique. Part 1. Radiographic evaluation of adaptation and placement. International endodontic journal, 26(3), 173–178.
13. Estrela, C., Estrela, C. R., Decurcio, D. A., Hollanda, A. C., & Silva, J. A. (2007). Antimicrobial efficacy of ozonated water, gaseous ozone, sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine in infected human root canals. International endodontic journal, 40(2), 85–93. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.2006.01185.x
14. Stabholz, A., & Friedman, S. (1988). Endodontic retreatment--case selection and technique. Part 2: Treatment planning for retreatment. Journal of endodontics, 14(12), 607–614. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0099-2399(88)80058-X
15. Naseri, M., Kangarlou, A., Khavid, A., & Goodini, M. (2013). Evaluation of the quality of four root canal obturation techniques using micro-computed tomography. Iranian endodontic journal, 8(3), 89–93.
16. Teixeira F.B., Trope M. Advances in endodontic obturation. US Dentistry 2006; 45-48.
17. Moura, M. S., Guedes, O. A., De Alencar, A. H., Azevedo, B. C., & Estrela, C. (2009). Influence of length of root canal obturation on apical periodontitis detected by periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography. Journal of endodontics, 35(6), 805–809. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2009.03.013
18. Clinton, K., & Van Himel, T. (2001). Comparison of a warm gutta-percha obturation technique and lateral condensation. Journal of endodontics, 27(11), 692–695. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004770-200111000-00010
19. Schäfer, E., & Olthoff, G. (2002). Effect of three different sealers on the sealing ability of both thermafil obturators and cold laterally compacted Gutta-Percha. Journal of endodontics, 28(9), 638–642. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004770-200209000-00003
20. Frajlich, S. R., Goldberg, F., Massone, E. J., Cantarini, C., & Artaza, L. P. (1998). Comparative study of retreatment of Thermafil and lateral condensation endodontic fillings. International endodontic journal, 31(5), 354–357. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2591.1998.00168.x
21. Abarca, A. M., Bustos, A., & Navia, M. (2001). A comparison of apical sealing and extrusion between Thermafil and lateral condensation techniques. Journal of endodontics, 27(11), 670–672. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004770-200111000-00004
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.