Influence of operator-dependent-variable on the quality of root canal obturation: An in vitro study [Influenza della variabile operatore sulla qualità dell'otturazione canalare: studio in vitro]

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess if the operator's experience could influence the quality of root canal fillings performed with two different techniques: continuous wave of condensation technique and carrier based technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty standardized endo-training- blocks in resin were used for this study. All blocks were divided into 3 groups of 20 each. A chosen operator was then assigned to each group based on his own clinical experience level: inexperienced, average expert, expert. Each operator has filled a group of endocranial block using the two different techniques. The 60 filled blocks were finally x-rayed and analyzed. RESULTS Statistically significative differences were observed between root canal fillings performed with carrier based technique by the expert operator and root canal fillings performed with continuous wave of condensation technique and carrier based technique by the inexperienced operator. Furthermore, statistically significative differences were observed as regard apical extension parameter, between canal filling performed with both techniques by the inexperienced operators. CONCLUSIONS Within the limits of this in vitro study, it was concluded that the control of apical extension was the standard which defined a better x-ray quality of root canal fillings, when realized by expert operators rather than when realized by inexperienced operators. When the inexperienced operator used continuous wave of condensation technique, obtained better results in terms of apical extension compared to carrier based technique.