COMPARISON OF APICAL LEAKAGE IN ROOT CANALS OBTURATED WITH VARIOUS GUTTA-PERCHA TECHNIQUES USING A DYE VACUUM TRACING METHOD

In this study, residual apical microlumina remaining after obturation with five different gutta-percha obturation methods were traced with a n efficient vacuum method. Seventy-nine human maxillary anterior teeth were instrumented and divided into five groups. The groups were obtur ated with single-cone techniques, lateral condensation, vertical conde nsation, Thermafil, and Ultrafil techniques. All specimens were immers ed in a vacuum flask containing 2% methylene blue dye solution. The ai r was evacuated with a vacuum pump to an absolute pressure of 75 torr for 30 min. The roots were sectioned longitudinally and the linear ext ent of dye penetration was measured. Group mean linear dye penetration values were: single-cone technique, 1.55 +/- 0.95 mm; lateral condens ation, 2.25 +/- 1.46 mm; vertical condensation, 2.61 +/- 2.61 mm; Ther mafil 1.41 +/-1.16 mm; and Ultrafil 3.51 +/- 4.70 mm. There were no st atistically significant differences between the gutta-percha obturatio n methods. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.