Comparison of the apical gutta-percha cone volume based on the gutta-percha gauging technique

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the apical gutta-percha (GP) cone volume between non-gauged and gauged GP cones adjusted using a GP gauge. Resin model teeth with replicated single root canals (n=20) were prepared in F3 and F5 sizes using ProTaper Universal rotary files. For F3, the 30NG group used a #30 GP cone without gauging, and the 30G group used a gauged #25 GP cone adjusted to the #30 size. For F5, the 50NG group used a #50 GP cone without gauging, and the 50G group used a gauged #45 GP cone adjusted to the #50 size. Micro-computed tomography was employed to measure the apical volume occupied by the GP cones up to 3 mm above the apex. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed for statistical analyses (p<0.05). The average apical volume percentages occupied by the GP cones for the 30NG, 30G, 50NG, and 50G groups were 91.84%, 89.80%, 93.31%, and 89.85%, respectively. Compared with gauged (30G and 50G) groups, the non-gauged (30NG and 50NG) groups exhibited marginally higher GP volume percentages; however, no significant differences were observed between these groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, gauging of the GP cone does not significantly affect the apical GP volume; thus, it can be performed as needed.