Removal of overextended root canal filling beyond the apex in lower premolar teeth using two different retreatment rotary files versus manual files: a comparative in vitro study.

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to compare the time required for complete removal of overextended root canal filling in lower premolar teeth using two different rotary file systems; ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PTUR) system, XP-endo Retreatment (XPER) system versus manual Hedstrom (H-Files).

METHODS

Thirty-six extracted permanent mandibular premolars with single canal were set to a standard length of 19 mm and prepared beyond the apical foramen by 3 mm up to F2 file of the ProTaper Gold system. Overextended obturation was performed by a size (25/08) gutta-percha and AH-Plus sealer using cold lateral condensation technique. Teeth were left for 7 days to ensure complete setting of sealer, then divided into 3 groups (n = 12) according to the gutta-percha removal method (Group Ι: H-Files, Group ΙΙ: PTUR, Group ΙΙΙ: XPER (XP-endo Shaper (XPES) + XP-endo Finisher R (XPEF-R)). Time taken was recorded and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The XPER technique showed a statistically significant reduction in the time taken to remove the overextended gutta-percha compared to H-files and PTUR groups (P < .05), with the XPER group showing the shortest time, followed by PTUR, and then H-files.

CONCLUSIONS

XPER technique was significantly faster in removing the experimentally overextended gutta-percha than H-files and PTUR files, demonstrating superior procedural time efficiency.