Comparison of apical sealing ability of laterally compacted gutta percha versus single cone compaction technique using nickel titanium rotary system - An in vitro study

Abstract

Objective - To study, measure and compare the apical sealing ability of laterally compacted gutta percha using 2% gutta percha with 2% accessory cones , 6% gutta percha with 2% accessory cones with single cone compacted ProTaper gutta percha point corresponding to ProTaper preparation, using fluorescent dye penetration technique. Study Design: 79 extracted human mandibular premolars were collected and disinfected. They were divided into 25 teeth each in 3 experimental groups and 2 teeth each in positive and negative control group. Biomechanical preparation was done using ProTaper rotary system. Group I and II were obturated with 2% and 6% gutta percha cones along with 2% accessory cones using lateral compaction technique. In group III single cone compaction with ProTaper gutta percha cone was done. 2 teeth instrumented but not obturated were used as positive control whereas 2 teeth obturated and sealed completely with nail varnish served as negative control. All the specimens were immersed in Rhodomine 6G fluorescent dye for 48 hours, and then teeth were sectioned longitudinally. Apical leakage was measured under a fluorescent microscope. Results - Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using Anova Test and Tukey's HSD test, it showed statistically significant difference in apical leakage among the single cone obturated ProTaper gutta percha points and the laterally compacted 2% and 6% gutta percha points, with no statistically significant difference seen between laterally compacted 2% and 6% gutta percha. Conclusion - Under the limitations of the present study single cone compaction using ProTaper gutta percha points corresponding to its respective preparation provided a better apical seal than the laterally compacted 2% and 6% gutta percha.