ABSTRACT
Successful preparation and treatment of root canal depends on the compatibility between filling material and canal walls. On the hand, proper crown repair most often require post and core preparation. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of immediate versus delayed root canal preparation for post-space on apical seal using 2 types of sealers Apatite root sealer and AH26. This experimental study was conducted on 76 anterior teeth with single root canals. These teeth were sectioned from the cervical area which left at least 12 mm of root portion. All teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups. There were 2 positive and 2 negative control teeth aside from 15 experimental teeth in each group. After cleaning and shaping, root canals were filled with Gutta Percha, using lateral condensation method and AH26 sealer [in groups 1 and 2], and Apatite root sealer [in groups 3 and 4]. Post-spaces were immediately prepared in groups 1 and 3, leaving the last 4 mm of Gutta Percha in root canals. The root canals in groups 2 and 4 were kept in 100% moisture for a week and post-spaces were prepared with the same technique. Finally, all teeth were kept in Indian ink for 72 hours. All teeth were then demineralized in citric acid and demoisturized using ethylic alcohol. Photographs were taken from different angles using stereomicroscope connected to computer with 40x magnification in order to detect dye preparation. Photographs were evaluated by 2 independent individuals separately and dye penetration was measured. Data were analyzed using Two-Way ANOVA and Tukey tests. The immediate AH26 group had the lowest and the delayed Apatite root sealer had the highest rate of apical leakage and dye penetration. A significant difference was detected between immediate and delayed methods of post-space preparation [P<0.01]. There was no significant difference between the 2 types of sealers used [P=0.426]. Immediate post-space preparation before sealer setting had less apical leakage. No significant difference was detected between AH26 and Apatite root sealers