Ability of three root-end filling materials to prevent bacterial leakage

This study evaluated the ability of three materials-a resinous root canal s ealer (Sealer 26) prepared in a thick consistence, a reinforced zinc oxide- eugenol cement (IRM), and a glass-ionomer: cement (Fuji IX)-in preventing b acterial leakage. Retrofilled teeth were mounted in an apparatus: and then challenged by human saliva. The number: of days required for the bacteria f rom saliva to penetrate the root-end filling materials was determined. Eval uation was conducted for 60 days. Leakage was observed in all teeth of the Fuji IX group, and in 95% (19 of 20 specimens) of the teeth retrofilled wit h IRM. Sixty-five percent (13 of 20 teeth) of the teeth retrofilled with Se aler 26 showed leakage. No difference was detected between Fuji IX and IRM (p>0.05). However Sealer 26 was significantly more effective in preventing bacterial leakage when compared with other materials: tested (p<0.05).