Efficacy of vibration motion in comparison to reciprocation motion in retreatment of root canals obturated with lateral compaction technique: an in vitro study

Most root canal retreatment methods do not completely remove filling material from the root canal walls. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of reciprocation motion in comparison to vibration motion in the removal of root canal filling in retreatment procedure after obturation using lateral compaction technique. Forty-eight maxillary first molars were selected. Obturation using bioceramic sealer was performed in all distobuccal canals using lateral compaction technique. Teeth were randomly divided into two main groups ( n = 24) according to the technique of removal of root canal filling material: Groups A and B: reciprocation and vibration motions, respectively. Percentage of remaining filling material was evaluated using stereomicroscope, heat on root surface was measured using a thermocouple and time for filling removal was calculated using a stopwatch. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the percentage of debris in the coronal and middle thirds, regarding the time of removal of root canal filling. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the percentage of debris in the apical third and regarding the heat on the external root surface. Vibration motion caused a less percentage of debris in the coronal and middle thirds. Reciprocation motion was most effective in the removal of root canal filling, especially in the apical third. Vibration motion caused a higher temperature increase on the external root surface. Reciprocation motion required less time for the removal of root canal filling than vibration motion.