An apical leakage study in the presence and absence of the smear layer

The apical seal produced by low-temperature injection of gutta-percha, with or without root canal sealer, in the presence or absence of the smear layer was evaluated quantitatively using an electrochemical technique. The root canals of 44 teeth were prepared with the smear layer intact following a final flush of NaOCl (group 1), while the root canals of a further 44 teeth were prepared and the smear layer removed with a final flush with EDTA followed by NaOCl (group 2). Subgroups were obturated using Ultrafil System alone or accompanied by Calciobiotic Root Canal Sealer. Microleakage data was expressed as a percentage of apical leakage evident in each group. Statistical analysis of the results revealed that the groups obturated with Ultrafil alone showed no significant differences in leakage compared with the groups where sealer was used, either when the smear layer had been left intact or removed. (P > 0.05). However, comparison of the combined two groups with smear layer present versus the combined two groups with smear layer removed showed a highly significant difference (P < 0.01), with the incidence of leakage reduced in the absence of the smear layer.