Comparison of Apically Extruded Debris after Retreatment Procedure with ProTaper and Endostar Retreatment File Systems

Introduction: During endodontic retreatment apical extrusion of debris in the form of filling materials, necrotic pulp tissues, microorganisms as well as irrigants may lead to post instrumentation pain, inflammation and impaired healing. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the amount of debris extruded from the apex during retreatment procedures using ProTaper R (PTR; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and Endostar RE Re endo rotary system (ERE; Poldent Co. Ltd., Warsaw, Poland) file systems. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 extracted mandibular premolars were prepared and obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany) using warm vertical compaction technique. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 15 each for removal of root canal filling material with PTR and ERE files. The Apically Extruded Debris (AED) was collected in preweighed eppendorf tubes. Data were analysed statistically using independent sample t-test. Significance level was established at α=0.05 Results: No significant difference (p=0.701) was found among the groups regarding the amount of AED. AED was more for PTR files as compared to ERE files while PTR files cleaned the canal walls better as compared to ERE. Conclusion: Both retreatment file systems were associated with some degree of debris extrusion from the apex. Though statistically insignificant PTR files extruded more debris than ERE files.