A technique for placement of apical MTA plugs using modified Thermafil carriers for the filling of canals with wide apices. (9th November 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giovarruscio, M.; Uccioli, U.; Malentacca, A.; Koller, G.; Foschi, F.; Mannocci, F.
• Is Part Of: International endontic journal. Volume 46:Number 1(2013:Jan.)
• Page Start: 88
• Page End: 97
• Publication Date: 2012-11-09
• Subjects: Endodontics -- Periodicals; 617.6342
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2591.2012.02115.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-2885

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="iej2115-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="iej2115-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>To describe a technique for the placement of apical Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plugs in canals with wide apices.</p> </sec> <sec id="iej2115-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Summary</title> <p>A novel technique to fill root canals with an apical diameter larger than 0.4 mm is presented. The technique includes three main stages; three Thermafil carriers of increasing size, previously de‐sheathed by removing the Gutta‐percha coating, are selected to engage 1, 2 and 3 mm short of the apex. Their use allows the negotiation of acute curvatures and ledged canals. Subsequently, an MTA plug matching the apical gauge is pre‐formed with a pellet block, placed and condensed using the modified carriers in sequence. The presented protocol for the management of teeth with apices of a diameter greater than 0.4 mm allows a favourable apical control of the MTA. Clinical cases completed using this methodology are presented.</p> </sec> <sec id="iej2115-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Key learning points</title> <p> <list id="iej2115-list-0001" list-type="bullet"> <list-item> <p>MTA placement in teeth with wide apices was facilitated by using de‐sheathed Thermafil carriers, to create an appropriate seal and stable platform for Gutta‐percha backfilling or subsequent fibre post placement.</p> </list-item> <list-item> <p>The use of de‐sheathed Thermafil carriers of different sizes allows predictable placement of pre‐formed MTA plugs.</p> </list-item> <list-item> <p>Gauging of Thermafil carriers enhances control of the condensation phase to limit the extrusion of MTA.</p> </list-item> </list> </p> </sec> </abstract>