Background: Lateral condensation technique is one of the most common methods of root canal obturation. In conventional obturation methods, the tug-back in the gutta-percha master cone is recommended in order to create and maintain the apical seal. Tug-back is the slight back-pull or resistance to dislodgement of the gutta-percha master cone that is felt when it is removed from the canal. Aim of the study: To compare efficacy of Mechanical lateral condensation technique and Convention lateral condensation technique for obturation of endodontic canals. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the department of Conservative dentistry and Endodontics of dental institution. For the study, we selected 50 extracted permanent maxillary central incisors with single canal and completed apex. Teeth with morphological and developmental anomalies were excluded from the study. The working length of all the teeth was standardized to 19mm. Biomechanical preparation (BMP) of the roots was done using hand K-files. The procedures on both the groups were performed by same operator to avoid any discrepancies. The obturation was done using size 30 gutta-percha master cone and size 15 gutta-percha accessory cones for both the groups. The weight of the obturated teeth was measured again. Results:A total of 50 extracted maxillary central incisors were used in the study. Teeth were randomly grouped into two groups with 25 teeth in each group. Teeth were weighed before and after the completion of obturation. The mean weight of gutta percha for Group LC was 8.11 + 1.5 g and Group MLC was 12.31 + 2.1 g. Conclusion: We conclude that Mechanical lateral condensation technique is superior to conventional lateral condensation technique in obturation of endodontic canals.
Keywords: Root canal, endodontic, lateral condensation, obturation.