An In Vitro Evaluation of Apical Microleakage of Single Cone Obturation Versus Lateral Condensation Obturation Technique

Abstract

Introduction:

The aim of this in-vitro study was to use dye penetration method to compare the apical microleakageof matched taper single-cone and cold lateral condensation technique in teeth prepared with ProTaper instruments.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty (80) human extracted single rooted teeth were used.The teeth were randomly dividedinto two experimental groups of thirty (30) teeth each and two negative and positive control groups of ten (10) teetheach. The groups were as follows: Group I, Teeth were obturated using single cone obturation technique; Group II,Teeth were obturated using a cold lateral condensation technique. In positive control Group; teeth were instrumentedand left unobturated, whwre as in negative control Group, teeth were instrumented and five (5) teeth were obturatedwith single cone obturation technique and five (5) teeth with the Lateral condensation technique.The access cavitiesof all teeth were obturated with Ketac Molar (3M ESPE) to ensure a coronal seal. The specimens were stored for 24hours in 100% humidity at 37OC to allow the sealer to set. After that the surface of all roots in experimental and positivecontrol groups were then covered with two layers of nail polish, except for the apical area (2mm).