Influence of gutta-percha cone disinfection on leakage: comparison of two sealability assessment methodologies

ABSTRACT

Aim: To clarify the influence of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite disinfection of gutta-percha cones onleakage and to compare the outcomes of two sealability assessment methodologies (fluid filtrationand dye penetration methods). Methods: Thirty teeth were prepared and filled using the guttaperchalateral condensation technique. Group I was filled with gutta-percha cones disinfectedwith sodium hypochlorite 5.25%, while Group II was filled with cones that were not disinfected.Apical leakage was measured using (a) fluid filtration technique and (b) linear measurement ofdye penetration after clearance. Results: The Student’s t-test showed no significant differencebetween the groups for both techniques (p<0.05). Conclusions: Both methodologies employed,even with the inherent limitations, were capable of identifying sealing failures. The disinfection ofgutta-percha cones with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite did not alter apical leakage.