Effect of Root Resection on Sealing Ability of Orthograde Apical Plugs of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Calcium Enriched Mixture

OBJECTIVE: There is some concern that root resection may alter the seal of the previously set orthograde material. The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical sealing ability of orthograde mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium enriched mixture (CEM) plugs after resection of the roots. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The fluid filtration method was carried out on a total of 51 roots in three experimental (n=15) and two control (n=3) groups. The root canals were prepared 3 mm shorter than the working length. In groups A and B, 4 mm of MTA and CEM were placed in an orthograde technique, respectively, and after setting, 3 mm of the root end was resected. In group C, the apical 3 mm of each root was resected, root end preparation was carried out to a depth of 3 mm and filled with MTA. Apical microleakage values of each group were measured. Data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Means and standard deviations of apical microleakage in groups A (MTA orthograde), B (CEM orthograde) and C (MTA retrograde) were 2.31×10(−4) (0.32×10(−4)), 3.33×10(−4) (0.29×10(−4)) and 4.42×10(−4) (0.40×10(−4)) μl.min(−1).cmH2o(−1), respectively. The mean values were greater in group C; however, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between these groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, when there is an orthograde access to the root canal and surgery is likely to be necessary in the future, MTA and CEM can be placed in an orthograde technique and it just resects the root during surgery.