In Vitro Effect of Flow Rate on Penetration Depth of Thermo-Plasticized Gutta Percha

Background and Aim: Penetration of injectable gutta percha into the root canals is of utmost importance in success of endodontic treatment and is related to the composition, phase and flow of gutta percha. The aim of this study was to evaluate the penetration depth of gutta percha into simulated root canals using 60 and 80 flow rates by BeeFill system. Materials and Methods: This in vitro experimental study was done on 48 artificial root canals created in the form of a semicircle in a bovine femur. The canals were prepared using FlexMaster rotary instruments according to the manufacturer’s instructions for narrow canals and filled with gutta percha and AH26 sealer using BeeFill 60 and 80 flow rates at 180°C with 0.6mm applicator tips to 0.5mm to the working length. Digital images were taken from the root fillings and the root filling penetration depths were determined for each sample. The data were statistically analyzed by independent sample t-test. Results: The mean penetration depths of thermo-plasticized gutta percha were 2.58mm and 4.83mm for 60 and 80 BeeFill flow rates, respectively. The difference between the two rates was not statistically significant (P=0.69). Conclusion: Both 60 and 80 BeeFill flow ratesprovided almost similar penetration depth of gutta perchain artificial root canals.