The purpose of this study was to evaluate the thermal expansion characteristics of injectable thermoplasticized gutta-perchas and a Resilon. The materials investigated are Obtura gutta-percha, Diadent gutta-percha, E&Q Gutta-percha Bar and Epiphany (Resilon).

The temperature at the heating chamber orifice of an Obtura II syringe and the extruded gutta-percha from the tip of both 23- and 20-gauge needle was determined using a Digital thermometer. A cylindrical ceramic mold was fabricated for thermal expansion test, which was 27 mm long, with an internal bore diameter of 3 mm and an outer diameter of 10 mm. The mold was filled with each experimental material and barrel ends were closed with two ceramic plunger. The samples in ceramic molds were heated in a dilatometer over the temperature range from 25℃ to 75℃. From the change of specimen length as a function of temperature, the coefficients of thermal expansion were determined.

There was no statistical difference between four materials in the thermal expansion in the range from 35℃ to 55℃ (p > 0.05). However, Obtura Gutta-percha showed smaller thermal expansion than Diadent and Metadent ones from 35℃ to 75℃ (p < 0.05). The thermal expansion of Epiphany was similar to those of the other gutta-percha groups.

This study evaluated the effect of two different calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) paste removal techniques on the apical leakage of canals obturated with gutta percha cones and sealer after removing a Ca(OH)₂ dressing using an electrochemical method.

Seventy extracted single-rooted teeth were instrumented on with Profile rotary files under NaOCl irrigation. Fifty-eight canals were filled with calcium hydroxide paste, which was then removed using one of the following two techniques. In group A, calcium hydroxide was removed using only NaOCl irrigation, and in group B, the canals were re-prepared with a Profile rotary files-one size larger than the previous instrument and were irrigated with NaOCl. In both groups, the root surfaces were coated twice with nail varnish from CEJ to an area 4 mm away from the apex after canal obturation. Apical leakage was measured using an electrochemical method for 24 days.

All the specimens showed leakage that increased markedly in the first three days. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). The effect of two calcium hydroxide paste removal techniques on the apical leakage was not different during a short period.