A comparative study of four coronal obturation materials in endodontic treatment

The aim of this study was to compare, in vitro, the ability of temporary ve rsus permanent materials to seal the access cavity. Eighty human maxillar s ingle-canal teeth were prepared biomechanically and obturated with gutta-pe rcha and an endodontic cement AH Plus, using the warm vertical compaction t echnique. All access cavities were sealed with 1 of 4 materials (Cavit, Fer mit, Tetric, or Dyract). Microleakage was assessed by methylene blue dye pe netration. The teeth were submitted to 100 thermocycles, with temperature v arying from 0 degrees to 55 degrees C. The greatest degree of leakage was o bserved with the temporary materials (Cavit and Fermit). There was a signif icant difference (p < 0.05) in leakage between all materials except between Dyract and Tetric. This suggests that it may be more prudent to use a perm anent restorative material for provisional restorations to prevent inadequa te canal sealing and the resulting risk of fluid penetration.