Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth and its effect on single visit apexification versus complete obturation using MTA and biodentine

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate and compare the fractured resistance of simulated immature teeth and the effect of single visit apexification versus complete obturation using MTA and biodentine. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: Forty-five freshly extracted sound maxillary central incisors with single canal were selected. The apical 5 mm of each sample was then sectioned to simulate Cvek's stage 3 root development access cavity preparation, followed by preparation using peeso reamers. Irrigation was carried out followed by randomization of samples. Obturation was performed using different materials. Fracture resistance was checked under universal testing machine, by recording the ultimate load to fracture in Newtons. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 Software. One-way analysis of variance followed by pair wise comparison of the groups was performed using Tukey's post-hoc test. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: All the experimental groups showed statistically higher value of fracture resistance than the control groups. Group I (entire canal obturated with MTA) reported highest value of fracture resistance followed by group III (entire canal obturated with biodentine), group II, and group IV. CONCLUSION: In apexification cases, reinforcing the immature teeth with bioceramic materials such as MTA and biodentine is advantageous. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinically in patients, high success rate of apexification can be achieved with complete MTA obturation as compared to MTA and biodentine apical plug and gutta percha obturation.