Comparison of Fracture Resistance between Single-cone and Warm Vertical Compaction Technique Using Bio-C Sealer® in Mandibular Incisors: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the fracture resistance of the single-cone technique with the warm vertical compaction technique (WVCT) in mandibular incisors using Bio-C sealer®, by applying a compressive force using a universal testing machine (UTM) (Instron 5943; Instron, Norwood, Massachusetts, USA). Materials and methods: Twenty-two mandibular incisors were selected and divided into two groups after applying the same shaping protocol. To assess the influence of the wave vertical compaction technique on the fracture resistance, the first group was obturated by a single-cone obturation technique (SCOT) (n = 12), and the second group was obturated with a WVCT (n = 10). Bio-C sealer® (Angelus, Hague Netherlands) was used in the two obturation techniques. Wax-coated roots were put in an acrylic mold and loaded to compressive strength fracture in a mechanical material testing machine (UTM) (Instron 5943; Instron, Norwood, Massachusetts, USA), with Bluehill 3 software (version 3.15.1343) recording the maximum load at fracture. Fracture loads were compared statistically, and data were examined with the Mann–Whitney U test with a level of significance set at p ≤0.05. Results: No statistically significant difference was registered between the SCOT (264.97 ± 83.975 N) and WVCT (313.35 ± 89.149 N) concerning the endodontically treated mandibular incisors’ fracture resistance (p = 0.159). Conclusion: Warm vertical compaction technique (WVCT) did not affect the fracture resistance of endodontically treated mandibular incisors when compared to SCOT canal preparation. Clinical significance: General practitioners and endodontists face challenges during root canal treatment such as cracks and root fractures. This article aims to guide experts in choosing between the single-cone and the continuous WVCT aiming for higher long-term quality of root canal filling.