A survey on root canal obturation trends: warm versus cold obturation technique

Aim: The purpose of this study was to obtain information about the current trends on obturation between members of endodontic societies, affiliated with the European Society of Endodontology, specifically the trends of using calcium silicate-based sealers and the preferred use of the warm versus cold obturation technique related to years of practice, additional training in endodontics and working situation.

Methodology: A questionnaire was distributed, and data from Portugal, Italy and Turkey societies was collected for demographic and professional information, and also about material and techniques commonly used in endodontic obturation. Statistical analysis comprised descriptive statistics, presented as frequencies (n) and percentage (%). A chi-square test of homogeneity and a Z Test were conducted between obturation technique (warm versus cold) and years of practice, additional training in endodontics and working situation. A significance level of 0.05 was considered.

Results: The proportion of users of warm obturation technique was 58.7% and of cold obturation technique was 41.3%. The most selected sealer was the epoxy resin-based sealer (52.3%). Within the calcium silicate-based sealers, BioRoot was the most selected (40.3%). When calcium silicate-based sealers were selected, the majority of participants answered not to use the bioceramic gutta-percha cones (65.4%). The years of practice, the additional training in endodontics and the working situation influenced the selection of warm or cold obturation technique (p<.001).

Conclusions: The choice of warm or cold obturation technique showed association with the years of practice, the additional training in endodontics and the working situation.