Comparison of apical microleakage using Ni-Ti with stainless steel finger spreaders

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare apical microleakage after obturation with Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) compared to Stainless Steel (SS) finger spreaders. Eighty straight single-rooted human teeth were instrumented using step-back technique. The specimens were randomly divided into four groups. The two experimental groups (n=30) and the negative control group (n=10) were obturated by lateral condensation technique with Ariadent gutta-percha and AH26 sealer. The roots in the positive control group (n=10) were instrumented but not obturated. In one group, SS and in another group NiTi spreaders were used. Microleakage evaluation was conducted using dye penetration method t-test was used for statistical analysis. The results showed statistically significant differences between NiTi and SS groups (P=0.022), with the greatest dye penetration in SS group and the least in NiTi group. According to the results of the present study using NiTi spreader decrease apical microleakage in endodontically treated teeth. [Iranian Endodontic Journal 2009;4(4):149-51].