The effect of different acidic environments on the apical microleakage of different obturation techniques : an in vitro study

Abstract EN

Background : Pulpal and apical inflammation or infection decreases tissue pH in the region surrounding the involved tooth which might affect the sealing ability of different obturation systems.

This study evaluate the apical microleakage of three obturation techniques (lateral condensation of Gutta-percha/AH 26, Soft-Core gutta-percha / AH 26 and lateral condensation of Resilon / Real Seal SE), when exposed to 7.3 6.5, 6.0 and 5.5 pH values. Materials and method : One hundred and thirty two roots of freshly extracted teeth were selected.

Teeth were decoronated, working length was established and the roots were instrumented using a crown down technique with ProTaper rotary files (SX-F3).

The specimens were divided into three groups of 44 samples each.

Group A: obturated using lateral condensation of gutta percha and AH 26.

Group B: obturated using soft-core and AH 26.

Group C : obturated using lateral condensation of Resilon and Real Seal SE.

Each group was further subdivided into four subgroups, 10 samples each, which were exposed to pH values of 7.2, 6.5, 6.0 and 5.5 respectively.

Microleakage was evaluated by longitudinal sectioning, and measurement of liner dye penetration. Results : There was a non significant difference within each group regarding the different pH media.

Both Soft-Core and Resilon showed less apical microleakage than lateral condensation of gutta percha with a highly significant difference in all the tested acidic media. Conclusion : Resilon / Real Seal SE subgroups showed the least apical microleakage, however, it didn’t provide the complete sealing claimed by the manufacturer.