Thermal and volumetric assessment of endodontic filling techniques using infrared thermography and micro-CT

Purpose: To assess root temperature during filling techniques and quantify the volume of endodontic filling materials using infrared thermography (IT) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Methods: Ninety premolars were divided into three groups: lateral condensation (LC), single cone (SC) and thermomechanical compaction (TMC). For thermal analysis, 45 teeth were assessed using a FLIR T650sc IT camera during filling techniques and 45 teeth were scanned using a Nikon micro-CT to assess gutta-percha, cement, and void volumes. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed (non-parametric Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Friedman test with Tukey’s bidirectional analysis of variance). Results: TMC showed the highest temperature increase at 15 s after the procedure and a significant temperature decrease at 45 s after its completion. TMC showed the largest volume of gutta-percha and LC the highest void volume. Conclusion: The temperature increase generated by gutta-percha end-odontic filling techniques is within acceptable limits. A greater volume of endodontic cement was observed for the SL and LC filling techniques.