BACTERIAL LEAKAGE IN ENDODONTICS - AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR QUANTIFICATION

A new method for studying leakage of root fillings using the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525 is described, The presence of the microorganism is detected by fluorimetry and can thus be used to measu re the depth of penetration from the root apex toward the crown of the tooth. This system, applied to a number of methods of root canal fill ing, showed that procedures involving compaction of the gutta-percha g ave a more effective seal than the use of a paste sealer with unconden sed gutta-percha. There was no statistically significant difference be tween the leakage results from the lateral, vertical, and thermomechan ical condensed techniques.