Influence of Calcium Hydroxide Points on the Quality of Intracanal Dressing Filling

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the quality of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)] paste filling (Ultracal, Ultradent) associated or not with Ca(OH)(2)-containing gutta-percha points (Calcium Hydroxide Plus Points, Roeko) in curved root canals. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred and twenty roots of extracted human teeth, randomly divided into three curvature ranges (mild - 0 to 14 degrees; moderate - 15 degrees to 29 degrees; severe - >30 degrees) were used. After chemomechanical preparation, the roots were assigned to 4 groups (n=30), according to the technique of intracanal dressing placement: group 1 - Ca(OH)(2) paste was applied with a lentulo spiral; group 2 - Ca(OH)(2) paste was applied with a lentulo spiral and a Ca(OH)(2) point was inserted into the canal; group 3 - Ca(OH)(2) paste was applied with a Navitip tip (supplied with Ultracal system); group 4 - Ca(OH)(2) paste was applied with a Navitip tip and a Ca(OH)(2) point was inserted into the canal. The roots were cleared and the quality of apical third filling was assessed by a calibrated experienced examiner. The specimens were examined under stereomicroscopy and scored 1 to 4 (i.e., from inadequate to complete root canal filling). The results were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Duncan's post hoc test at 5% significance level. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) among the curvature degrees in groups 1, 3 and 4. Severely curved roots in group 2 presented bordering significance (p=0.05). The groups that associated the use of Ca(OH)(2) paste and points (2 and 4) showed better apical filling than the other groups, but this difference was statistically significant (p<0.001) only for roots with severe curvature. CONCLUSION According to the results of this study, the curvature degree did not influence the quality of filling. The techniques that used Ca(OH)(2)-containing gutta-percha points yielded better filling of the apical third in roots with severe curvature.