Apical leakage of different gutta-percha techniques: thermafil, js quick-fill, soft core, microseal, system B and lateral condensation with a computerized fluid filtration meter.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate apical leakage of roots filled with 6 different gutta-percha techniques; Thermafil, JS Quick-Fill, Soft Core, Microseal, System B and lateral condensation using a new computerized filtration meter.


METHODS
60 extracted single rooted teeth were used. Coronal part of each tooth was removed and the root canals were prepared with step-back technique. The roots were randomly divided into six groups of 10 teeth, filled by one of the obturation technique and Kerr sealer. The teeth were kept in 100% humidity for 2 years. After this period, apical parts of roots (10 +/- 0.05 mm) were attached to computerized fluid filtration meter. Apical leakage quantity was determined as mul.cmH(2)O(-1).min(-1).


RESULTS
Statistical analysis indicated that Thermafil, Soft Core, Quick-Fill and System B techniques showed lower leakage than Microseal and lateral condensation (P < .05). However, statistically no difference was found among the core techniques and no difference was found between microseal and lateral condensation techniques (P > .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Thermafil, Soft Core, Quick-Fill and System B techniques showed lower leakage than Microseal and lateral condensation. In addition, this new computerized fluid filtration meter allowed quantitative measurement of leakage easily.
Gençoglu
Nimet
N
Professor, Department of Endodontics,University of Marmara, Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Turkey.
Oruçoglu
Hasan
H
Helvacıoḡlu
Dilek
D