Leakage of amalgam and Super-EBA root-end fillings using two preparation techniques and surgical microscopy

An in vitro dye leakage study was conducted to test the root-end sealing ability of amalgam with varnish or Super-EBA using two root-end preparation techniques and surgical microscopy. Sixty-four single-rooted teeth were instrumented and obturated with gutta-percha. Teeth were randomly placed into four groups. Two groups received perpendicular root-end resections, 3-mm-deep ultrasonic root-end preparations, and either amalgam with varnish or Super-EBA root-end fillings. The other two groups received beveled root-end resections, 3-mm-deep micro-handpiece preparations, and either amalgam with varnish or Super-EBA. All root-end procedures were performed at x5 to x8 magnification. Micro-leakage was assessed at 4 months using methylene blue dye and a passive hydrostatic pressure technique. Statistical analysis showed that, regardless of technique, Super-EBA leaked significantly less than amalgam with varnish. There was no significant difference between the two root-end resection and preparation techniques.