AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY OF THE SEALING ABILITY OF A DENTINAL APICAL PLUG TREATED WITH BONDING AGENT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of a den tinal apical plug treated with a bonding agent. Ninety human lower pre molars were used. The teeth were divided into three groups. In groups 1 and 2, to prepare an apical isthmus of 1 mm in length, the first api cal seat was prepared with a #45 K file 1 mm short of the anatomical a pex and with a #60 K file 2 mm short for the second apical seat. Dry d entin filings were packed in the apical isthmus with a #60 K file. In group 1, the root canal was obturated with gutta-percha and Canals roo t canal sealer by the lateral condensation method. In group 2, followi ng an application of the bonding agent to the plug, the root canal was obturated in the same way. In group 3 (control), a single apical seat was prepared with a #60 K file 1 mm short of the apex and the root ca nal was obturated similarly. The teeth of three groups were immersed i n a 1% methylene blue solution for 1, 2, and 4 wk. Dye penetration dep th from the apical foramen was determined. Group 2 showed no leakage a fter 4 wk. Groups 1 and 3 showed dye penetration into the root canal, and in these two groups dye penetration increased with time.