Comparative analysis of the temporary obturation materials applied to M-O-D cavities in endodontically treated teeth

Abstract

The temporary restorative filling protects the endodontically treated teeth against leakeage till the final coronal restauration. The aim of this study was to assess three temporary obturation materials (Coltosol F,Coltene/Whaledent Inc., Switzerland; Kavitan Plus, Spofa Dental, Czech Republic; light-curing composite Herculite Ultra, Kerr), after inserting them in large, mesio-occlusal-distal (M-O-D) type cavities of endodontically treated teeth. The teeth were submerged in water at 37º for 14 days. The number of fracture lines emerged on the surface of the material was noted down each day, the intercuspidal distance (ICD) was measured every 2 days, after that the coronal fillings were studied under the endodontic microscope, at a 8X magnification. All teeth, except those filled with composite, showed cracks within the material. In Coltosol F group 53% showed cracks within the teeth structure, 61,53% showed an increase of the ICD and the crown of a tooth fractured the second day after applying the material into the cavity. 38% of teeth in Kavitan Plus group showed cracks within the tooth structure, but no change in ICD, while 15,38% of teeth in composite group showed cracks within the tooth structure and no change in ICD. It appears that the hygroscopic expansion of the Coltosol F in the MOD cavities produced a degree of deflection of the cuspids, while the masticatory forces may worsen this situation. Kavitan Plus and Herculite Ultra can be considered more suitable temporary restorative filling materials in endodontically treated teeth.