in vitro comparative study of apical microleakage of biocalex and white MTA as root-end filling materials

ABSTRACT

For sealing a cavity prepared in endodontic surgery, there is a need for a material to obtain an apical seal and prevent bacterial and tissue exudates. The purpose of this study was to compare the sealing ability of Biocalex and white MTA as root-end fillings. In this in vitro experimental study, 36 single-rooted extracted human adult teeth with minimum root curvature were cleaned, shaped and obturated with lateral condensation technique, 3 mm of the root apices were resected and a 3 mm deep retrograde cavity was prepared. Teeth were assigned randomly into two groups of 15 teeth each and retrofilled with Biocalex and White MTA. Three teeth served as positive and three teeth served as negative controls. All root surfaces, except the ending part, were covered with two layers of nail polish. Then the roots were stored in 2% methylene blue for 72 hours and then embedded in polyester resin. Next, they were sectioned buccolingually by diamond bur and maximum extent of dye penetration was evaluated through stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was carried out by student t-test. The level of significance was set at 95%. It was shown that retrofills with Biocalex had significantly less microleakage compared with white MTA. The findings of this study showed that retrograde filling with Biocafex can achieve proper sealing ability and can be used as an alternative for MTA [P<0.001]