ABSTRACT
This in vitro study aims to evaluate the coronal and apical sealing ability of gutta-percha [GP] root filling used with either mineral trioxide aggregate [MTA], new endodontic cement [NEC] or AH26 as filler/sealers. Forty eight single-rooted extracted teeth were selected, decoronated and then instrumented. Samples were randomly divided into three experimental [n=12] and two control groups [n=6]. In group 1, root canals were filled using lateral condensation technique [L]; while single cone technique [S] was used for groups 2 and 3. AH26, MTA and NEC were the root canal sealer/fillers in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Samples were immersed in 1% methylene-blue dye and then independently centrifuged apically and coronally. The roots were split longitudinally and linear extent of dye penetration was measured with a stereomicroscope from apical and coronal directions. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and T-test. No statistical differences in mean apical dye penetration between groups LGP/AH26, SGP/MTA and SGP/NEC were found; SGP/NEC group showed significantly less coronal dye penetration [P<0.001]. Considering the limitations of this in vitro study, it was concluded that the simple single cone technique with NEC can provide favorable coronal and apical seal