Comparison of Efficiency of Gutta Percha Removal in Retreatment Using Protaper Retreatment Files, Race Instruments and Reciproc R: An In vitro Study.

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of three retreatment systems ProTaper Universal, D-Race, and Reciproc in removing gutta-percha and sealer from root canal walls. Materials and Methods: A total of 75 extracted mandibular first premolars were obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer, then incubated for 3 weeks. Pre- and post-retreatment cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken. The teeth were divided into three groups and retreated with one of the three systems. The remaining filling material was quantified and analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: None of the systems completely removed the filling material. Reciproc R was the most effective, followed by D-Race, with ProTaper being the least effective. Conclusion: Reciproc R system showed superior efficacy in removing gutta-percha compared to D-Race and ProTaper systems.