Coronal microleakage for readymade and hand mixed temporary filling materials

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the sealing ability of the readymade temporary filling and hand mixed materials by assessing coronal microleakage. Standardized access cavities were prepared in 80 intact human permanent premolar teeth. They were divided randomly into four experimental groups [n=20]. The teeth were restored using one of the temporary materials including Cavisol, Litrak, Zinc phosphate cement, Zinconol [IRM]. Thermocycling was applied on the specimens. Methylene blue dye was applied and penetration was evaluated under stereomicroscope. Grading of the microleakage pattern was from 1 to 3, with 3 providing the best seal. Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test [P<0.05]. Microleakage of Cavisol and Litrak samples achieved grade 3; whereas zinc phosphate cement and Zinconol samples absorbed the dye into the bulk of the materials. Cavisol was found to exhibit the best seal amongst the four tested materials followed by Litrak, zinc phosphate cement, and Zinconol. There was a statistically significant difference in the microleakage scores obtained between the materials [P<0.01]. Among the four materials tested, readymade temporary filling provided the best sealing ability over hand-mixed. This study emphasizes the importance of correct placement and sufficient thickness of temporary filling materials in endodontic access cavities to ensure a tight seal

Pilot study on relation of the periapical status and quality of endodontic treatment in an adult Sudanese population

The purpose of the present cross-sectional pilot study was to evaluate the influence of the quality of root canal fillings and coronal restorations on the periradicular status of these teeth. Seventy adult patients attended the Conservative dentistry clinic (Faculty of Dentistry, University of Khartoum), seeking routine dental care (not emergency care) were included. Patients were examined and the coronal restoration status was scored according to a modification of Ryge’s criteria for marginal adaptation. The quality of the root filling was assessed radiographically for length and homogeneity. The periapical status was categorized on the basis of presence or absence of signs of apical periodontitis (AP). The relationship between coronal status, quality of root filling and periapical health was determined statistically using Χ2 test. Thirtyfour teeth (48.57%) showed signs of AP. The combination of adequate coronal restoration and adequate root filling resulted in significantly reduced incidence of apical periodontist of 12.5% compared to 76.47% presence of AP when both parameters scored as inadequate. There was statistically significant relation between the quality of the treatment and the periapical status (p = 0.001). The incidence of AP in root-filled teeth was high. The importance of a good coronal restoration and an adequate root filling should be stressed as they both influence the periapical health.