Clinical Evaluation and Comparison of Obturation Quality Using Pediatric Rotary File, Rotary Endodontic File and H File in Root Canal of Primary Molars: A Double Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate and compare extent and quality of obturation in root canal of primary molars with Pediatric rotary file (Prime PedoTM), rotary endodontic file (Protaper UniversalTM) and conventional H files using photo stimulated phosphor plates.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry at Terna Dental College, Navi Mumbai between February 2019 to June 2019.

Methodology: A total of 45 primary mandibular molars were randomly divided into 3 groups. Instrumentation was done in Group 1 with Pediatric rotary file (Prime PedoTM), Group 2 with rotary endodontic file (Protaper UniversalTM) and in Group 3 with H files. Irrigation was done with 10 ml sodium hypochlorite and 20 ml saline followed by drying with paper points and obturation using endoflas with a motor driven lentulospiral. Post-operative radiographs taken using photo stimulated phosphor plates were assessed by a blinded examiner and scored as underfilling, optimal or overfilling. Voids were assessed as present or absent. Scores obtained were analysed statistically using Chi square test.

Results: On comparison of the extent of obturation, maximum number of mesial canals instrumented with pediatric rotary files (96.7%) were optimally filled, followed by rotary endodontic file (83.3%) and H files (63.3%). The difference between three groups was statistically significant (P=0.026). 96.2% of distal canals instrumented with pediatric rotary files were optimally filled followed by 92.3% with rotary endodontic files and 84.6% with H files. However, no statistical difference was found (P=0.331). Minimal number of voids were observed with both pediatric rotary file and rotary endodontic files as compared to H files (P=0.012).

Conclusion: Pediatric rotary files resulted in better extent and quality of obturation as compared to Protaper UniversalTM and conventional H files.