Time-dependence of coronal seal of temporary materials used in endodontics

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare parametrically the coronal seal ability over different periods of times of four restorative materials used to seal the pulpal access cavity after endodontic treatment. One hundred and thirty-five mandibular premolars were divided randomly into three time groups (1, 2 and 4 weeks), each of which was in turn divided into four subgroups. Each subgroup was restored using one of four restorative materials: Coltosol, glass ionomer cement (GIC), zinc phosphate (ZP) cement, or intermediate restorative material (IRM) cement. The root canals were prepared using the crown-down technique, and obturated using lateral condensation. Following placement of the restorative material, the samples were incubated in distilled water at 37 degrees C and were subjected to 50 thermocycles (0 +/- 4, 56 +/- 4C). After immersing in (2%) methylene blue dye for 24 h, teeth were longitudinally sectioned and examined under a stereomicroscope. The results showed that Coltosol and GIC cement were significantly superior in sealing ability to ZP and IRM cements (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between GIC cement and Coltosol. Both Coltosol and GIC after 1 week were significantly better than 4 weeks. There was no significant difference in the seal ability at different time periods when ZP and IRM cements were used.