Comparative Sealing Ability of Different Materials for Repair of Iatrogenic Perforations: An In Vitro Study

The aim of this in vitro study was to assess and compare the sealing ability of root perforation repair materials: Biodentin, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), glass ionomer cement (GIC), and amalgam in extracted human teeth, using stereomicroscope.

For this in vitro study were tested 50 extracted mandibular molars with artificial perforations and were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 10) according to material used. Ten samples served as positive and negative control groups (n = 5, for each control group). Following perforation sealing, all samples were stored and after dye exposure were rinsed and dried. After their longitudinally sectioned through the center of repaired material, the extent of dye penetration at the perforation site was measured with stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests, followed by Bonferroni post hoc comparisons, with significance set at p < 0.05.

The samples repaired with Biodentin demonstrated the lowest mean dye leakage, followed by MTA group, amalgam, and GIC group. Statistical analysis showed significant differences among tested groups (p < 0.05). Post-hoc comparisons revealed that Biodentin group and MTA showed significantly superior sealing ability than GIC group, while no statistical differences between Biodentin and MTA group.

The findings of this in vitro study under the tested conditions showed that Biodentin and MTA provided better sealing ability in root perforation repair. Amalgam showed intermediate performance, while GIC showed the highest level of micro leakage.