An in vitro investigation of coronal leakage with three gutta-percha backfilling techniques

The aim of this study was to compare the backfilling capabilities of System B, Obtura II and Alphaseal. Forty-six lower premolar teeth were prepared chemomechanically and allocated to four experimental and two control groups. Ten were obturated using lateral condensation as a standard and 30 were obturated in the apical third using the System B. The latter 30 teeth were then backfilled using one of three techniques, System B, Obtura II or Alphaseal (n = 10 in each group). The remaining six teeth served as controls. Roots were radiographed from the proximal in order to evaluate voids and then placed in India ink for 65 h prior to being demineralized and rendered transparent, coronal leakage was quantified by linear measurement of ink penetration. No significant difference was found between the four groups with respect to the presence of voids radiographically (P < 0.05). The difference in leakage between the System B and Obtura II groups was not significant (P > 0.05). Both System B and Obtura II leaked significantly less than Alphaseal and lateral condensation (P < 0.001).