Effectiveness of AHPlus in the obturation of simulated lateral canals

“Objectives:” This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the AH Plus sealer with or without addition of 5% calcium hydroxide in the obturation of lateral root canals. “Methods:”Thirty extracted human canines were employed; the root canals were instrumented and three artificial lateral root canals were prepared in each root, at the apical, middle and cervical thirds. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups with 10 specimens each. The root canals were filled by cold lateral compaction of guta-percha with the AH Plus sealer with two different consistencies: as usual, following the manufacturer's instructions; or with addition of calcium hydroxide 5% in weight. A third group filled with the Endofill sealer was used as a control group. After obturation, the teeth were radiographed and the images were projected and magnified 20 times. The results obtained were compared statistically. “Results:” The outcomes of the analysis of obturation of the root canals as to the thirds did not reveal any statistically significant difference (p<0.05). As regards the sealers, the Endofill displayed worse results, with statistically significant difference (p<0.05) when compared to other groups considering just obturation of the lateral root canals at the cervical third. “Conclusions:” The increase of calcium hydroxide to the AH Plus sealer at 5% in weight did not interfere with obturation of the lateral root canals, despite the reduction in its flow.