The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the ProTaper Universal System rotary retreatment system and of Profile 0.06 and hand instruments (K-file) in the removal of root filling materials. Forty-two extracted single-rooted anterior teeth were selected. The root canals were enlarged with nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files, filled with gutta-percha and sealer, and randomly divided into 3 experimental groups. The filling materials were removed with solvent in conjunction with one of the following devices and techniques: the ProTaper Universal System for retreatment, ProFile 0.06, and hand instruments (K-file). The roots were longitudinally sectioned, and the image of the root surface was photographed. The images were captured in JPEG format; the areas of the remaining filling materials and the time required for removing the gutta-percha and sealer were calculated by using the nonparametric one-way Kruskal-Wallis test and Tukey-Kramer tests, respectively. The group that showed better results for removing filling materials was the ProTaper Universal System for retreatment files, whereas the group of ProFile rotary instruments yielded better root canal cleanliness than the hand instruments, even though there was no statistically significant difference. The ProTaper Universal System for retreatment and ProFile rotary instruments worked significantly faster than the K-file. The ProTaper Universal System for retreatment files left cleaner root canal walls than the K-file hand instruments and the ProFile Rotary instruments, although none of the devices used guaranteed complete removal of the filling materials. The rotary NiTi system proved to be faster than hand instruments in removing root filling materials. (J Endod 2008;34:1381-1384

Three clinical cases have been treated with the use of an apical plug of MTA for apexification. All three cases were central incisors that had suffered premature interruption of root development as a consequence of trauma. According to the treatment protocol, the root canals were rinsed with 5% NaOCl; then, calcium hydroxide paste was placed in the canals for 1 week. Consequently, the apical portion of the canal (4 mm) was filled with MTA. The remaining portion of the root canals was then closed with thermoplastic gutta-percha. At 6-month and 1-year follow-up period the clinical and radiographic appearance of the teeth showed resolution of the periapical lesions. MTA appears to be a valid option for apexification with its main advantage being the speed at which the treatment can be completed.

Mineral trioxide aggregate appears to be a valid material to obtain periradicular healing in teeth with open apices and necrotic pulps. Ten out of 11 cases were associated with periradicular health at follow-up evaluation.

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