Comparison of the apical leakage of root canals filled with MTA with those filled with gutta percha and lateral condensation technique

Sealing the root canal system is of great importance in endodontic treatment especially in infected teeth. Several materials have been introduced for this purpose. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sealing ability of MTA as an orthograde root filling material and compare it with laterally condensed gutta-percha with sealer. Thirty-six extracted human maxillary central and canine teeth were used in this experimental study. After preparation and surface disinfection with 1% NaOCl solution, the crowns of the teeth were cut at cemento-enamel junction.Roots were randomly divided into four groups: two experimental groups of 15 roots each (gutta-percha with AH26 sealer and MTA) and two control groups of 3 roots each (positive and negative). After root canal preparation and filling, the sealing ability of each technique was assessed by immersion in 1% methylene blue dye for 72 hours. Then the teeth were cleared and the extent of dye penetration was measured with a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed by T-test with P<0.05 as the level of significance. The results showed that the mean microleakage was 1.1mm (SD=2.1) in the gutta percha group and 3.4mm (SD= 2.1) in the MTA group.This difference was statistically significant (P=0.013). Based on the results of this study, canal obturation with gutta-percha and AH26 sealer may provide a better apical seal compared with MTA. However, further studies on microbial leakage are needed for more precise evaluation of the sealing ability of MTA.