There are many cases in which the dentist is hesitant to choose the best endodontic condensation technique. In Dentaltix we recommend a technique already established with great proven success and is one of the best possible alternatives to traditional endodontics: The obturation system by thermoplastic gutta-percha that facilitates the work in the office and is reliable, fast and simple.
Gutta-percha, one of the oldest dental materials, is still one of the most widely used today, specifically, the most commonly used forms for thermoplastic filling techniques are gutta-percha pellets. Their content is approximately 20% gutta-percha, 65% zinc oxide, 10% radiopaque substances and 5% plasticizers and have three forms: alpha phase, beta phase and gamma phase, where alpha gutta-percha has more dimensional stability and, therefore, is the most used in thermoplastic techniques.
Thermoplastic sealing techniques
In dentistry, thermoplastic endodontics consist of three main thermoplastic techniques: McSpadden Technique, Hybrid Technique and Ultrasonic Sealing.
- The McSpadden technique uses compactors, which are standardized stainless steel instruments similar to an inverted Hedstroem file. They are used with the contra-angle at low speed and are based on the principle of reverse rotation to compact the gutta-percha inside the ducts.
- Hybrid root filling technique is Ideal for complicated cases, it is especially used for severe curvatures or narrow ducts. This technique is very simple and is capable of filling irregularities and can correct the filling, with results almost impossible to achieve with other techniques.
- Ultrasonic filling technique offers multiple advantages, since it allows working with the handling of the length of the ducts, and replicates the three-dimensional shape of the ducts adapting to them, the heat is generated only during ultrasonic activation, there are great diversity of sizes of the tips and these can be pre-curved.
Advantages of the thermoplastic gutta-percha technique
- This technique produces an increase in the density of the gutta-percha in the apical region, avoids filtrations or empty spaces.
- It provides a greater fluidity in the lateral ducts, filling accessory ducts.
- It produces a totally homogeneous mass in the whole duct.
- It has a better adaptation to the destination.
- The thermoplastic gutta-percha reduces the stress applied to the root.
- Injectable systems of high and low temperature thermoplastic gutta-percha show better results than traditional lateral condensation.
- The dental professional can dedicate less work time and ease in the treatment of cases complicated by endodontics performed.
Shutter System B by SybronEndo
The three-dimensional obturation of the properly shaped and prepared root canal is the ideal root canal treatment, as it avoids microfiltration and the passage of microorganisms, making the apical healing process easier. System B is a variation of the vertical condensation technique, as it uses heat but controls it by means of an adjustable device. It is based on the fluidity of the gutta-percha when plasticized rather than on the pressure exerted on the obturator material. In other words, this system relies on continuous heat transmission to soften the gutta-percha and thus allow it to flow along the root canal, sealing it properly. The System B wave heating system facilitates the compaction of the gutta-percha in the apical third. This system handles systems of up to 300°C in the spacers and does not exceed 4°C on the external surface of the tooth, so it will not produce any negative effect on the gingival tissues.
For all these reasons mentioned above, thermoplastic gutta-percha is the dentist's best choice for filling, since by heating the gutta-percha until it acquires a plastic consistency. At Dentaltix you have a great variety of thermoplastic gutta-percha that can be adjusted to the budget and needs of each dental clinic. Do you use thermoplastic gutta-percha in your dental clinic? Or do you prefer the classic lateral condensation technique? Share with us your successful clinical cases through our social networks. Follow us!