Three-dimensional assessment of obturation volume in lateral canals after three obturation techniques with bioceramic sealer: an in vitro comparative study

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the obturation ability of simulated lateral canal in mandibular premolars at three levels (3, 5, and 7 mm) from the apex using gutta-percha and BC Sealer HiFlow (BCHiF) with different obturation techniques, including continuous wave compaction (CWC), cold lateral condensation (CLC), and single cone (SC) techniques, by a 3D assessment method of the obturation volume with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and MIMICS software analysis. Methods Thirty intact human mandibular premolars were decoronated, instrumented up to #30 taper 4%, and uniformly irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. Six simulated lateral canals (3 pairs) were prepared at 3, 5, and 7 mm from the apex in each root, using #10 modified C-file. CBCT images were obtained, and lateral canal volumes were calculated using MIMICS software. The samples were divided into three groups: CWC (n = 10), CLC (n = 10), and SC (n = 10). All groups were obturated with BCHiF and gutta-percha. Another CBCT image was taken post-obturation, and 3D lateral canal obturation volume percentages were calculated using MIMICS software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with One-way ANOVA and Sidak tests (α = 0.05). Results Significant differences were observed in the 3D lateral canal obturation volume percentage at all three levels (P < 0.05). Both CWC and CLC techniques demonstrated higher 3D lateral canal obturation volume percentages ($$\bar{x}$$ x ¯  = 89.64% and $$\bar{x}$$ x ¯   =  73.28%; respectively) compared to the SC group) $$\bar{x}$$ x ¯   =  43.10%). Conclusion BCHiF combined with the CWC technique has a higher ability to achieve preferable 3D obturation volume in the simulated lateral canal at 3, 5, and 7 mm. Clinical relevance In cases requiring endodontic treatment with lateral canals, the CWC obturation technique using BCHiF with gutta-percha may offer better outcomes compared to other obturation techniques.