A STUDY OF THE APICAL MICROLEAKAGE OF A GALLIUM ALLOY AS A RETROGRADEFILLING MATERIAL

The feasibility of utilizing mercury-free Gallium alloy GF for retrogr ade filling was investigated by comparing apical microleakage in 184 e xtracted human teeth. The teeth were divided into four experimental an d two control groups. Three experimental groups were apical cavity ret rofillings with the Gallium alloy GF, a mercury-containing amalgam, an d a glass ionomer. The fourth experimental group was filled with gutta -percha and heat-burnished after apicoectomy. After 24 h, 1 wk, 4 wk, and 12 wk immersion in dye solution, the roots were vertically section ed, and the deepest point of dye penetration was recorded, The glass i onomer showed the least leakage, followed by the amalgam group and the gallium group (no significant difference). The gutta-percha heat-burn ished group displayed the greatest leakage, Gallium alloy GF was shown to have an equivalent sealing potential to dental amalgam for a retro grade filling material.