A comparison of cold lateral compaction and warm vertical compaction using continuous wave of compaction technique

Abstract

Background: Variety of techniques are used to obturate the root-canal system, which can be divided into two basic groups: cold lateral compaction or warm vertical compaction. The present study was conducted to compare cold lateral compaction and warm vertical compaction using continuous wave of compaction technique. Materials & Methods: 30 simulated, 30-degree, curved root canals in transparent acrylic blocks were divided into group I and II. In group I, cold lateral compaction was performed. In group II, warm vertical compaction was used. Results: Group I and group II, mean weight of instrumented block was 3.80 gram each, mean weight of obturated block was 3.86 gram and 3.88 gram and mean weight of gutta-percha was 0.042 and 0.56 respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05) Conclusion: Warm vertical compaction using the continuous wave of compaction technique in acrylic blocks resulted in a greater gutta percha fill by weight in comparison to cold lateral compaction.