Assessment of apical leakage of different endodontic sealers -In vitro study

Aim: The aim of this prospective study was to assess in vitro the comparison between apical leakage of Apexit Plus (calcium hydroxide based), Roth 801 (Zinc oxide eugenol based) and Perma Evolution (epoxy resin based) sealers in lateral condensation technique using linear dye leakage penetration method.Material and methods: In this study 70 freshly extracted maxillary central incisors and canines with straight root canals were used. Teeth were decoronated and step back root canal preparation using Gates Glidden drill and stainless steel hand K files was performed with size 45 being the master apical cone. After preparation, the teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups. Three groups with 20 teeth for experimental and two groups with 5 teeth as positive and negative control. Obturation was done with lateral condensation in three groups with Roth 801, Apexit plus and Perma Evolution sealers. The obturated specimens were then stored in 2% Basic fuchsin dye for 72 hours. After splitting the teeth longitudinally, each tooth has been placed on a standardized scaled paper under the microscope and digital images have been captured by this microscope. Then the digital images were processed by Analyzing Digital Image software.Results: The results showed that Roth 801 sealer leaked significantly higher than both Apexit plus and Perma Evolution sealers (p < 0.05) and no statically significant difference has been found between Apexit plus and Perma Evolution sealers (p > 0.05).Conclusion: According to the methodology proposed and based on the results of this study, it may be concluded that Roth 801 showed the most leakage but Perma Evolution and Apexit plus showed similar sealing ability. However, further in vivo studies requirement should be done to find the best root canal filling material.