A l2-month longitudinal in vitro leakage study on a new silicon-based root canal filling material (Gutta-Flow).
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to determine in vitro the short- and long-term sealing ability of a recently developed silicon-based root canal filling material (Gutta-Flow).


METHODS
Sixty human upper central incisors were divided into 3 groups (n = 20). The root canals were instrumented and obturated with laterally compacted gutta-percha and AH26 sealer (group 1), continuous-wave thermal compaction (System B technique) and AH26 sealer (group 2), and Gutta-Flow technique (group 3). Leakage along entire root canal fillings was measured by the movement of an air bubble in a micropipette connected to the experimental root using a fluid-transport model. Short-term leakage measurements were carried out for 3 hours after 24 hours of equilibrium establishment. Leakage was measured again and at 3, 6, and 12 months after the initial measurement.


RESULTS
At the 3-hour measurement, no significant differences were found among the 3 experimental groups. Long-term leakage measurements showed that at 3 and 6 months no significant differences were existed between Gutta-Flow and the other 2 techniques. However, at 12 months, root canal fillings with Gutta-Flow leaked significantly less than fillings of lateral compaction and System B technique.


CONCLUSIONS
Gutta-Flow technique showed a similar sealing ability to either lateral compaction or System B technique. This comparison improved significantly over time. These findings may be related to the possible expanding capacity of the material and the partial dissolution of the sealer over time in the other 2 groups.
Kontakiotis
Evangelos G
EG
Department of Endodontics, Dental School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece. ekontak@dent.uoa.gr
Tzanetakis
Giorgos N
GN
Loizides
Alexios L
AL
D001729:Bismuth; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000379:methods*; D012834:Silver; D014025:Titanium
D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004853:Epoxy Resins; C515718:GuttaFlow; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012834:Silver; C028044:epoxy resin AH-26; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D014025:Titanium; D001729:Bismuth