Efficacy of two different retreatment techniques in removing gutta-percha from root canals: A CBCT study

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two rotary nickel-titanium file systems, ProTaper Universal (PTUR) and Remover (REM), in removing gutta-percha and sealer from root canals.
Methods: Forty-five extracted maxillary incisors were selected and prepared with the Revo-S file system. Root canals were filled with gutta-percha and a resin-based sealer using cold lateral condensation. The teeth were divided into three groups (n = 15) based on the file system used for gutta-percha removal: PTUR, REM, and hand files (H-files, as a control). The time taken for each system to remove the root canal filling was recorded. Three-dimensional images were obtained using dental volumetric tomography to measure the volume of the remaining filling material.
Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the time required for retreatment and the percentage of residual gutta-percha among the PTUR, REM, and H-file groups (P < 0.05). The H-file group required the longest retreatment duration and left the highest percentage of residual material. While the REM group completed the retreatment faster than the PTUR group, this difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The PTUR and REM systems were more efficient and faster than hand files in removing root canal fillings, although none achieved complete removal.