Lateral condensation of small, curved root canals: comparison of two types of accessory cones.

This study compared the quality of the obturation of small, curved root canals laterally condensed with a medium-fine (MF) finger spreader and one of two types of accessory cones. Thirty small, curved canals of permanent molars were cleaned and shaped, then randomly separated into two groups. They were obturated with a standardized master cone and either MF conventional accessory cones of #25 standardized accessory cones. Cross-sectional outs were made at the 2-mm and the 4-mm apical levels. Digitized tracings were made from photomicrographic slides of the cross-sections to determine the percentage of gutta-percha within the canal areas of each cross-section. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the two groups. Results of this study indicate there is no difference in the quality of obturation when using a MF finger spreader with either MF or #25 accessory cones.