Healing process of periapical lesion after endodontic obturation with warm gutta-percha technique in combination with a bioceramic sealer

Aim The objective of this clinical study was to collect short-term endodontic outcomes of endodontic-treated teeth (ETT) obturated with of a bioceramic sealer used in combination with warm gutta-percha obturation techniques in roots with and without periapical lesion.

Methods A total of 150 endodontic treatments were performed. At baseline, sample teeth showed periapical radiolucency; of these, 50% showed a lesion of 5 mm or bigger while lower than 5 mm in the other 50% of cases. The obturation techniques that were used in this study were: the continuous wave of condensation technique in 75% of cases, and carrier-based technique in 25%. One bioceramic sealer was used: One Fill. Preoperative and recall radiographs of the roots were each assigned a periapical index (PAI) score by 2 blinded, independent, and calibrated examiners. The teeth were divided into outcome categories based on the following classification: healed, unhealed, and healing. The healed and healing categories were classified as success, and the unhealed category was classified as failure on the basis of loose criteria.

Results The overall success rate was 100%, with 140 healed, 10 healing, and 0 not healed roots. Regarding the success (healed and healing) versus not healed, no significant difference was found between teeth with or without periapical lesions (p < 0.05). Related to the healing time, statistically significant difference in the distribution of healed, healing, and not-healed teeth was found between the groups of teeth with baseline lesions < 5 mm and >5 mm in diameter (p < 0.01). 

Conclusions From the findings of this clinical study, the following conclusion can be drawn: a correct filling of root canal made with warm gutta-percha technique combined with a bioceramic sealer allows a high success rate in endodontically treated teeth.