Comparative radiographic assessment of root canal obturation quality: Manual verses rotary canal preparation technique

Objective: To compare the technical quality of root canal obturation in relation to rotary and manual root canal preparation techniques. Study Design: Cross sectional, analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: The Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi from January till December 2011.Methodology: Data was retrospectively retrieved by periapical radiographs of 60 root canal treated molars for assessment of obturation quality. Data was divided into two groups, 30 radiographs in each group. Group 1 and 2 teeth were prepared with rotary and manual canal preparation technique respectively followed by obturartion with cold lateral condensation technique. Postobturation radiographs were assessed to evaluate technical quality of obturation in term of length, density and taper of root filling. Mann Whitney-U and Chi-square test was applied to compare the difference in technical quality of obturation between two canal preparation techniques. Results: Amongst Thirty molar prepared with rotary instruments, 27 had achieved acceptable length, 25 had adequate density and 27 had achieved adequate taper. Amongst 30 molars prepared manually, 18 had achieved acceptable length, 14 had adequate density and 12 had adequate taper. Conclusion: Radiographic technical quality of the obturation (length, density and taper) was better with rotary technique as compared to manual canal preparation technique.