Long-term coronal leakage of JS Quickfill root fillings with Sealapex and Apexit sealers

The purpose of this study was to assess long-term coronal leakage in root fillings achieved by 2 gutta-percha techniques using 2 calcium hydroxide-containing sealers. The root canals of 90 single-rooted teeth with mature apices were prepared chemomechanically. The teeth were placed randomly into four experimental groups (n = 20) and obturated with either lateral condensation of cold gutta-percha or a thermo-plasticized gutta-percha delivery system, JS Quickfill, using Sealapex or Apexit as the sealer. A further five teeth were placed in each of negative or positive control groups. After root filling the teeth were sectioned at the cementoenamel junction and stored in saline solution at 37 degrees for 1 yr. Coronal leakage was then determined with an India ink tracer (using a reduced pressure model) and a clearing technique. The extent of coronal leakage was measured at x6 magnification. Non-parametric analysis showed that there was significantly more leakage with the thermally softened gutta-percha technique than with lateral condensation (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in leakage between the groups obturated with lateral condensation (p > 0.005) but, with the thermoplasticized technique, there was more leakage with the sealer Sealapex (p < 0.05).