Comparison of Solite RE Black and WaveOne Gold File Systems for Removal of Root Canal Filling Material: An Ex Vivo Nano CT Study

Background/Objectives: Non-surgical retreatment aims to remove infected filling material, prepare the canal for disinfection, and re-obturate. This ex vivo study evaluated the residual filling material and dentin volume removed after retreatment using a rotary or reciprocating system. Methods: Twenty mesial roots of mandibular molars with two independent, straight canals were decoronated to a 16 mm working length and obturated. Pre-operative nano-CT scans measured the initial dentin and filling material volumes. Specimens were randomly assigned to two groups: Solite RE Black system (RE1-30/0.08; RE2-20/0.06) and WaveOne Gold—small file (20/0.07). Post-operative nano-CT scans were superimposed to calculate the remaining filling material and dentin volume removed. Data are presented as the mean ± SD, and groups were compared using independent t-tests. Results: Neither system completely removed the intracanal filling material. The mean residual filling material volume was 1.42 ± 0.21 mm3 (Solite RE Black) vs. 1.56 ± 0.27 mm3 (WaveOne Gold), representing approximately 14% vs. 16% of the initial filling material, respectively (p < 0.05). Mean dentin volume removed was 0.95 ± 0.18 mm3 vs. 1.12 ± 0.22 mm3, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In single-rooted, straight canals, Solite RE Black removed more filling material than WaveOne Gold, while dentin loss was similar. These findings are specific to straight canals, and further studies are required for curved or multi-rooted teeth.