Comparison of apical seal of four obturation techniques after delayed post space preparation

Abstract EN

Backgroound : This in vitro study was conducted to compare the apical seal of four obturation techniques after delayed post space preparation.

Materials and methods : Sixty simulated straight canals in clear resin blocks were used.

The samples which had the same length, size of apical preparation and taper, were divided into four groups obturated with lateral condensation, warm vertical compaction, Thermafil, and Softcore obturators.

Apexit was used as root canal sealer.

Delayed post space preparation was carried out by peeso reamers after one week leaving 6 mm of gutta-percha apically.

The coronal cavity was sealed and the samples immersed in 2 % methylene blue dye for 7 days after which the samples were examined by stereomicroscope and calibrated grid to measure apical dye leakage in mm.

Results : Vertical compaction leaked significantly less than lateral condensation and Softcore, and Thermafil leaked significantly less than Softcore.

Both Thermafil and Softcore were comparable to lateral condensation ; there was no significant difference between vertical compaction and Thermafil.

Conclusion : Thermafil and Softcore had no effect on the apical seal when delayed post preparation was considered and that the apical seal obtained by Thermafil and Softcore was comparable to lateral condensation technique.