Evaluation of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, Resin-modified Glass Ionomer Cements, and Composite as a Coronal Barrier: An in vitro Microbiological Study

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the bacterial micro-leakage of three different materials, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), and flowable composite, as a coronal barrier against Enterococcus faecalis. A total of 100 human extracted single-rooted teeth were selected. Access opening done, working length determined, and canals were cleaned and shaped with ProTaper F3 and obturated with AH26 and gutta-percha (GP) using lateral condensation technique. Samples were divided into three experimental and two control groups. Approximately 3 mm GP was removed from the coronal orifice and restored with one of the test materials. Teeth were suspended in glass tubes containing brain heart infusion (BHI) broth and equipped with microcaps, which were used to check bacterial leakage. A 24-hour broth of E. faecalis was placed in the pulp chamber. Tubes were incubated and checked for turbidity for 90 days. Data were analyzed using chi-squared test between the test and control groups and Fisher test between the test groups. Significantly lesser number of samples turned turbid in the RMGIC group followed by MTA group and the maximum number of samples turned turbid in the flowable composite group. The RMGIC is a better coronal sealer, followed by MTA and flowable composite. Coronal sealing ability of RMGIC is more promising in comparison with the other agents.