Comparative Study of Calcium Hydroxide Extrusion with Different Techniques of Intra-Canal Placement

Introduction: To investigate Ca(OH)2 extrusion from the apical foramen in relation to the placement mode. Methods: 200 teeth, prepared with ProTaper files with and without apical patency, were divided in Groups A and B respectively, and filled with Ca(OH)2 at 1 and 3 mm short of working length, using K-files manually and with mechanical spiral techniques (Pastinject/Lentulo) at 500 and 700rpm. Extrusion was graded as present/absent. Experimental categories were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results: Extrusion was observed only in teeth with patency. There was no extrusion with K-files in all cases and with Pastinject and Lentulo inserted at 3 mm short of working length. Speed elevation did not significantly increase the extrusion cases. Conclusions: K-files tend to be safer than mechanical techniques. Pastinject and Lentulo at 3 mm short of working length prevented Ca(OH)2 extrusion. Raising speed from 500 to 700 rpm did not significantly increase the extrusion risk.