Comparative assessment of retreatment systems for the removal of root canal filling materials using cone-beam computed tomography: An in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION

Successful endodontic retreatment depends on effective removal of existing root canal filling materials to enable adequate disinfection. Persistent intraradicular microorganisms are a primary cause of endodontic failure, underscoring the importance of thorough obturation removal. Although several nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary retreatment systems have been introduced to improve efficiency, their performance may vary depending on the type of endodontic sealer used. The present study compared the efficacy of four rotary retreatment file systems in removing filling materials obturated with either an epoxy resin-based or a bioceramic sealer using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

AIM AND

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of four NiTi rotary retreatment file systems in removing the root canal filling materials from the canals obturated with AH Plus or Bio-C Sealer.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Eighty extracted permanent mandibular molars were selected. Mesiobuccal canals were prepared and obturated with gutta-percha using either AH Plus or Bio-C Sealer. Retreatment was performed without solvents using HyFlex Remover, EdgeFile XR, ProTaper Universal Retreatment, or NeoEndo systems. Residual filling material volume was assessed using CBCT. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between the two sealers regarding the residual filling material (P > 0.05). HyFlex Remover and EdgeFile XR removed significantly more filling materials than ProTaper Universal Retreatment and NeoEndo systems (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

None of the systems achieved the complete removal of the filling material. HyFlex Remover and EdgeFile XR demonstrated superior efficacy irrespective of the sealer used.