Previous Article in Journal
Artificial Intelligence in Dental Education: A Scoping Review of Applications, Challenges, and Gaps
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

A Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis of Void Formation in Apical Plugs Created with Calcium Silicate-Based Materials Using Various Application Techniques in 3D-Printed Simulated Immature Teeth

by
Krasimir Hristov
* and
Ralitsa Bogovska-Gigova
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Dent. J. 2025, 13(9), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13090385 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 6 June 2025 / Revised: 21 August 2025 / Accepted: 24 August 2025 / Published: 25 August 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The management of immature teeth with wide apical foramina presents significant challenges in endodontic treatment due to difficulties in achieving a hermetic seal. The aim of this study was to evaluate void formation in apical plugs created using three calcium silicate-based materials—Biodentine, NuSmile NeoPUTTY, and Well-Root PT—applied with the help of manual, ultrasonic, or rotary file condensation (XP-endo Shaper) in 3D-printed immature teeth. Methods: Micro-computed tomography analysis was used to assess the internal, external, and total void percentage of material volume. The statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and the post hoc Bonferroni test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The materials and techniques used individually do not significantly influence the formation of internal voids, but their combination does (F(4, 99) = 2.717, p = 0.034). Both factors and their interaction are significant for external voids (F(4, 99) = 4.169, p = 0.004), and all have a notable effect on total void percentages (F(4, 99) = 3.456, p = 0.012). No significant differences were observed in internal voids across the groups (p > 0.05), ranging from 0.635% to 1.078%. External voids varied significantly, with Well-Root PT and ultrasonic condensation showing the highest values with a significant difference (p < 0.05), while NeoPUTTY and Biodentine with XP-endo Shaper exhibited the lowest. Total voids remained below 4%, with no significant differences among manual condensation groups. Neither material type nor application technique consistently influenced void formation, except for Well-Root PT with ultrasonic condensation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that modern bioceramic materials and application techniques produce comparable, low-void apical plugs, with XP-endo Shaper showing promise for minimizing external voids. The interaction between material and application technique plays a crucial role during the creation of apical plugs.
Keywords: immature teeth; apical plug; bioceramic putty; voids formation; micro-CT immature teeth; apical plug; bioceramic putty; voids formation; micro-CT

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Hristov, K.; Bogovska-Gigova, R. A Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis of Void Formation in Apical Plugs Created with Calcium Silicate-Based Materials Using Various Application Techniques in 3D-Printed Simulated Immature Teeth. Dent. J. 2025, 13, 385. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13090385

AMA Style

Hristov K, Bogovska-Gigova R. A Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis of Void Formation in Apical Plugs Created with Calcium Silicate-Based Materials Using Various Application Techniques in 3D-Printed Simulated Immature Teeth. Dentistry Journal. 2025; 13(9):385. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13090385

Chicago/Turabian Style

Hristov, Krasimir, and Ralitsa Bogovska-Gigova. 2025. "A Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis of Void Formation in Apical Plugs Created with Calcium Silicate-Based Materials Using Various Application Techniques in 3D-Printed Simulated Immature Teeth" Dentistry Journal 13, no. 9: 385. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13090385

APA Style

Hristov, K., & Bogovska-Gigova, R. (2025). A Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis of Void Formation in Apical Plugs Created with Calcium Silicate-Based Materials Using Various Application Techniques in 3D-Printed Simulated Immature Teeth. Dentistry Journal, 13(9), 385. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13090385

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop