Evaluation of healing in the periapical lesions of dogs with or without obturation in prepared root canals

Evaluation of healing in the periapical lesions of dogs with or without obturation in prepared root canals Dr. MH Nekoofar* - Dr. D. Shirani ** - Dr. P. Motahari*** - Dr. S. Khanzadi**** - Dr. M. Ghandi***** *- Assistant Professor of Endodontics Dept. - Faculty of Dentistry - Tehran University of Medical Sciences. **- Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine Dept. Faculty of Veterinary – Tehran University. *** - Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Dept. Faculty of Dentistry – Tehran University of Medical Sciences. **** - Endodontist. ***** - Dentist. Background and Aim: Controversy about root canal obturation dates back to many years ago and different theories have always been suggested to justify various methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of canal obturation on the repair of periapical lesions in dogs and also the possibility of healing without obturation. Materials and Methods: In this interventional study, the pulps of 56 canals in 28 teeth of 7 mixed German shepherd dogs were infected through 6 weeks exposure to oral environment. All canals were prepared based on conventional root canal therapy. Canals of control group were filled with gutta percha and AH26 sealer. The test group canals were left unfilled. Then the coronal portion of all teeth was filled with amalgam and a fourth generation dentin bonding agent (Scotch bond multi purpose 3M company). Six months later the dogs were sacrificed by vital perfusion method. Then the experimental roots and surrounding apical tissues were prepared and radiographs were taken. The histological sections were also prepared and examined. Data were subjected to Wilcoxon and McNemar statistical tests. Results: Cementum and dentin resorption variables showed significant differences between test and control groups (P.V<0.05). Other variables did not reveal significant differences in both groups. (P.V>0.05) Conclusion: It seems that the presence or absence of healing of the periapical lesions in dogs after 6 months are not related to canal obturation. Key words: Root canal therapy - Dog - Root canal obturation - Periapical lesions.