Sealing ability of the formed apical calcified bridge in open apex roots

Abstract

One of the most difficult endodontic problems is the management of necrotic immature tooth because of the difficulty in achieving a completely sealed apex. The aim of this study is to evaluate the sealing ability of the apical bridge formed by calcium hydroxide, white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or gray MTA during apexification procedure. Thirty roots were prepared to simulate an open apex. These roots were divided into 3 groups: Group A: 10 roots filled with Ca(OH)2paste, Group B: 10 roots filled with white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA), and Group C: 10 roots filled with gray mineral trioxide aggregate (GMTA). Each root was placed in synthetic tissue fluid (STF) for 3 months. Then each root was immersed in methylene blue dye. The leakage was examined by light stereomicroscope at (40 ×) magnification. Results showed that Ca(OH)2 paste group had the highest mean value of apical dye penetration followed by WMTA, while GMTA group showed the lowest mean value of apical dye penetration. There was a highly significant difference in the apical dye penetration (p<0.01) among these groups, concluded that the apical bridge formed by GMTA had the best sealing ability followed by that formed by WMTA. While the apical calcified bridge formed by Ca(OH)2 paste had the lowest sealing ability. Key words: Sealing ability, apexification, Ca(OH)2 paste, white mineral trioxide aggregate, with gray mineral trioxide aggregate.