Effect of obturation technique with immediate and delayed post space preparation on apical voids and bond strength of apical gutta-percha

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of immediate and delayed post space preparation on the sealing ability of two root canal obturation techniques by using micro-computed tomography imaging and a push-out test. METHODS: The root canals of 40 human maxillary premolar teeth were instrumented and divided into four groups: (A) single cone (SC) followed by immediate post space preparation, (B) continuous wave of condensation (CWC) followed by immediate post space preparation, (C) SC followed by delayed post space preparation, and (D) CWC followed by delayed post space preparation. Micro-CT scans were performed for volumetric analysis of voids and filling materials in the apical 4-mm portion. A push-out test was performed, and failure modes (adhesive, cohesive, or mixed) were assessed. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed among the four groups in terms of the percentage volume of voids of the apical 4 mm or the bond strength of apical gutta-percha. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage volume of voids and bond strength of apical gutta-percha were similar and were not significantly influenced by the timing of post space preparation or the obturation technique.