Objectives
Non-surgical retreatment of plastic carrier obturators is complex and requires a superior working time. The aim of this study is to present a new retreatment technique and compare it in terms of safety and speed with a conventional method, in curved canals.
Methods
36 lower premolars were selected and sealed with plastic core obturators. Then, the samples were randomized into two retreatment groups. In both groups, nickel-titanium rotary instruments (Endogal, Sarria, Lugo, Spain) were used to remove the old filling material. In Group 0 (Direct technique) gutta-percha and plastic core were eliminated simultaneously. In Group 1 (Indirect technique), the plastic core was initially extracted with the aid of an ultrasonic tip and a Hedstroem file, and then, the surrounding gutta-percha was removed with rotary instruments.
Results
Time needed for retreatment procedures, plastic carrier fracture, ledge formation and apical transportation were significantly lower in Group 1 (P < 0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference between both groups in terms of remaining material and instrument fracture (P > 0.05). No perforations occurred.
Conclusions
The new indirect technique proved to be safer, since prior withdrawal of the plastic carrier reduces the stress exerted on the rotary instruments and facilitates its advance along the canal, and it also resulted in shorter working time than other previously described methods.
Clinical relevance:
The increased safety of the technique and the reduction in the retreatment time allows to increase the disinfection duration in cases where a complete removal of the old filling material is not achieved.