Comparison between two thermoplastic root canal obturation techniques regarding extrusion of root canal filling-a retrospective in vivo study

The aim of this study was to compare two different thermoplastic techniques-a core-carrier technique (Thermafil) and warm vertical compaction-in terms of overextension of root canal filling in vivo. Flaring of 88 teeth was conducted using Pro Files .04 as finishing files, and the teeth were obturated using Thermafil. Flaring of 74 teeth was performed using Pro Files .06 as finishing files, and the teeth were obturated using warm vertical compaction. Seventy (80 %) of the teeth obturated using Thermafil and 31 (42 %) teeth obturated using warm vertical compaction show extruded root canal filling. In contrast to Thermafil, there is a higher rate of extruded root canal filling of teeth with more than one root canal using warm vertical compaction. Thermafil demonstrated a higher rate of extruded root canal filling compared to warm vertical compaction. Warm vertical compaction is a more predictable method of filling compared to Thermafil. Root canal filling extrusion will cause irritation of the surrounding tissue and impair repair processes. In the present in vivo study, there was a higher rate of root canal filling extrusion using Thermafil compared to warm vertical compaction.