Tamponade effect of resorbable biological barrier in quality of obturation in primary molar

Aim

Physical properties of obturating materials have a direct effect on the quality of obturation; less viscous material will tend to extrude beyond the apex. We hypothesize that the use of absorbable gelatin sponge (AGS) can prevent the extrusion of these materials. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of obturation in root canals filled with iodoform-calcium hydroxide (Metapex) premixed paste and Metapex with AGS (MAGS) in primary molars.

Methods

This in vivo study comprised 60 primary mandibular molars which after instrumentation were divided into 2 groups according to the obturation material used, Metapex and MAGS, followed by radiographic evaluation to assess the quality of the obturation. The χ²-test was applied for statistical analysis.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between Metapex and MAGS groups in achieving optimum obturation (P < .001). Metapex and MAGS exhibited 86.65% and 38.88% optimum obturation respectively. The overfilling of root canals effectively reduced from 38.88% to 4.44%.

Conclusion

The addition of AGS to Metapex causes a “tamponade effect”, which reduces the tendency of Metapex to extrude beyond the root apex. Root canal obturation using a modified filling paste like MAGS is effective in obtaining optimum obturation in primary teeth.