Apical sealing of AH Plus using different post space preparations

Objectives: This study evaluated in vitro the effect of different immediate post space preparations on the apical leakage of root canals filled with AH Plus. Methods: Sixty-six single root human canines were biomechanically prepared. Sixty teeth were randomly assigned into 2 groups (n=30) according to the obturation method using AH Plus sealer: GI. cold lateral condensation and GII. thermomechanical compactation. Groups were subdivided into 3 subgroups (n=10) according to the technique used to prepared post spaces immediately after the obturation: A. heated instrument, B. Gates-Glidden drill and C. Gutta Condensor. The six remaining teeth served as positive and negative controls. The coronal opening was covered with wax and two coats of acrylic nail varnish covered the entire root surface except for the last 2mm. All teeth were immersed in India ink for 72h. After this period, they were sectioned and the dye penetration on apical area was measured by Image Tool© 3.0 software. Results: Mean values (mm) obtained for each group were: GIA (1.58±1.23), GIB (2.08±1.31), GIC (2.12±1.03), GIIA (2.29±1.33), GIIB (2.02±1.30) and GIIC (3.24±1.74). ANOVA test showed no significant statistical difference (p>0.05) between the obturation methods and techniques used to prepared post spaces. Conclusions: It may be concluded that the different immediate post space preparations did not affect the apical sealing of roots filled with AH Plus sealer. None of the tested conditions create a root filling that does not leak.