European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EVALUATION OF APICAL LEAKAGE AFTER IMMEDIATE AND DELAYED POST-SPACE PREPARATION USING DIFFERENT ROOT CANAL SEALERS: AN INVITRO STUDY

*Dr. Ananthakrishna S., Dr. Sameer Mohideen Gani S., Dr. Pradeep P. R., Dr. Iffath Hussain and Dr. Sai Radhika Palagiri

ABSTRACT

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical leakage after immediate and delayed postspace preparation using three root canal sealers – Sealapex, Ceraseal and MTA Fillapex. Materials and Methods: Sixty single-rooted teeth were decoronated, prepared with Pro Taper instruments, and obturated using gutta-percha with three sealers: Sealapex, Metaceraseal, and MTA Fillapex. Teeth were divided into groups based on immediate or delayed (1 week) post space preparation. Gutta-percha was partially removed, and post space was prepared using Peeso reamers. Samples were sealed with Cavit G, coated with nail varnish, and immersed in Rhodamine dye for 72 hours. After longitudinal sectioning, dye penetration was analyzed under a stereomicroscope at 10x magnification to assess apical sealing. The extent of dye penetration was measured using an image analysis system. Results: Sealapex showed the most apical leakage due to volumetric expansion and high solubility during setting. Its calcium hydroxide content promotes healing but compromises sealing. MTA Fillapex, with better sealing, sets in moisture and forms calcium hydroxide, which reacts to create calcium carbonate and a calcium silicate hydrate gel, enhancing retention and reducing gaps over time. Ceraseal, a bioceramic sealer, exhibited intermediate leakage. It absorbs water from dentinal tubules, releasing ions like Ca++ and OH− to form hydroxyapatite, creating a strong chemical bond with dentin. Its small particle size and smooth flow enhance sealing without shrinkage. Conclusion: This study found apical leakage in all groups, regardless of sealer or post-space preparation timing. MTA Fillapex showed the least leakage, while Sealapex had the most. Immediate post-space preparation resulted in slightly less leakage than delayed preparation for all sealers, though the difference was not statistically significant.

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