Evaluation of dowel space preparation on the apical seal using an image processing system

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• The apical seal is crucial for endodontic treatment success.
• Post preparation can potentially compromise the apical seal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of post preparation on the apical seal of endodontically treated specimens.
• To compare the apical seal of five different obturation techniques after post space preparation.

Main Methods:

• Bovine bone specimens were instrumented and obturated using five techniques: silver point, lateral condensation, warm vertical condensation, Hygenic Ultrafil, and Obtura.
• Experimental groups underwent post preparation 48 hours after obturation, involving gutta-percha removal.
• Dye leakage was assessed using crystal violet solution, followed by longitudinal splitting and linear measurement of leakage.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in apical leakage was observed between the control (no post preparation) and experimental (post preparation) groups for any obturation technique.
• Fisher's exact probability test indicated no statistically significant variations in leakage based on the obturation methods employed.

Conclusions:

• Post preparation, as performed in this study, does not significantly compromise the apical seal of endodontically treated teeth.
• The choice of obturation technique among the tested methods does not influence the apical seal's integrity following post space preparation.