Temperature Changes in Gutta-Percha and Resilon Cones Induced by a Thermomechanical Compaction Technique

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess temperature changes in conventional gutta-percha, thermoplastic gutta-percha, and Resilon cones by using thermomechanical compaction technique. Methods: The root canals of extracted human teeth were placed in resin blocks and sectioned. After root canal preparation, cavities perforating the lingual wall were prepared at 4 and 8 mm from the apex, and K-type thermocouples coupled to a digital temperature meter were inserted until reaching the root canal. After placement of the main cone and accessory cones of each material assessed, a #45 thermomechanical compactor was used at 10,000 rpm. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance and Tukey test for paired comparisons (P .05). Changes in the apical third were higher when compared with the cervical third (P < .05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that gutta-percha and Resilon present similar temperature changes during thermomechanical compaction. (J Endod 2009;35:879-882)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP