Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Sealing capability is one of the most important performances of an ideal root canal filling material, which should be paramount consideration. 
OBJECTIVE: To compare the sealing capability between the standard gutta-percha point and Thermafil warm gutta-percha. 
METHODS: The extracted single root teeth were filled with standard gutta-percha point in the lateral condensation technique and Thermafil, respectively. The apical sealing capability was estimated by dye penetration method. The microchink between filling materials and the wall of root canals was measured with scanning electron microscope.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The dye penetration lengths of gutta-percha point + Zinc oxide eugenol paste group and Thermafil group were (4.70±1.46) mm and (1.46±0.55) mm, respectively. The microchinks between materials and walls of gutta-percha point + Zinc oxide eugenol paste group and Thermafil group were (7.84±5.32) μm and (2.40±1.88) μm, respectively. There was statistically significant difference between the gutta-percha point + Zinc oxide eugenol paste group and Thermafil group (P < 0.01). It suggested that Thermafil has more advantage in microchinks and sealing capability than traditional standard gutta-percha point by the lateral condensation technique.