The effect of temporary filling materials on the microleakage in endodontically treated teeth

Introduction. Besides anatomo-morphological characteristics of the root canal system, instrumentation techniques, obturation materials as well as temporary filling materials can influence the coronal microleakage. The aim of this study was to assess in vitro coronal microleakage of temporary filling materials in endodontically treated teeth by the method of colored solutions. Material and Methods. Forty extracted human teeth (single-rooted and multi-rooted) divided into two groups of (intact and caries affected) were used. The root canals were instrumented by step-back preparation technique and 2.5% NaOCl as irigant solution. Obturation was performed by lateral condensation technique with Apexit paste and gutta-percha. Cavit and Glass Ionomer Cement were used as temporary filling materials. The solution of 50% AgNO3 was used for microleakage assessment. The penetration of the color was evaluated using Light Microscope. Results. Of intact teeth, 60% temporarily filled by Cavit showed the color penetration, while only 25% of the teeth temporarily filled by combination of GIC and Cavit. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). In caries affected teeth, the penetration of the color was observed in 55% of the samples when Cavit was used and in 32% when combination of GIC and Cavit was used as temporary filling material. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Less color penetration occured in single-rooted than in multi-rooted teeth in both groups, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion. Glass Ionomer Cements in combination with Cavit provide better sealing of endodontically treated teeth. The least color penetration was observed in intact single-rooted teeth.