Effect of Heat Softening versus Ultrasonic Removal of Root-End Gutta-Percha on the Quality of Root-End Preparation for Endodontic Microsurgery

Figure 3

The typical morphology of root-end cavity preparation through SEM and stereomicroscope regarding root surface microcracks, marginal integrity of root-end cavities, and the presence of gutta-percha. (a) No microcracks. (b) Intradentinal microcracks. (c) Incomplete microcracks. (d) Complete microcracks. (e) Score 1: smooth and regular cavity. (f) Score 2: smooth and regular cavities with the presence of grooves on one or two walls. (g) Score 3: irregular cavities with the presence of grooves on three walls. (h) Score 4: irregular cavities with the presence of grooves on the four walls. (i) Type A: clean walls. (j) Type B: gutta-percha on one wall. (k) Type C: gutta-percha on two walls. (l) Type D: gutta-percha on three walls.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

(k)

(l)