Retrograde root filling with composite and a dentin‐bonding agent. 2.

Abstract

Investigations on retrograde root filling using a composite resin, Retroplast, bonded to the root surface with the dentin-bonding agent Gluma have been described. Here, detailed information is given about the surgical procedures. The aim was to obtain a thin retrograde composite filling on the root apex, made slightly concave, sealing the main root canal, accessory canals as well as dentinal tubules. Hemostasis was obtained primarily by applying 1% adrenaline and by using a needle suction tip, and care was taken not to damage the surrounding tissues by the various chemicals. The healing results, after up to 1 year, of 388 cases of various tooth types, treated with either retrograde composite or with amalgam were compared. The healing classification included four categories: 1) complete healing; 2) fibrous healing; 3) uncertain; and 4) failures. In the composite group, the healing rates were as follows: 74% showed completely healing, 4% fibrous healing, 15% uncertain and 7% were failures. In the amalgam group, 59% showed complete healing, 3% fibrous healing, 30% uncertain, and 8% were failures. Complete healing occurred significantly more often after filling with Retroplast than after filling with amalgam (p<0.00005). Significantly fewer proportion to other tooth types. The number of immediate postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the composite and the amalgam groups.