Evaluation of apical leakage after immediate and delayed postspace preparation using different root canal sealers: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Endodontically treated teeth with extensive loss of tooth structure lacks sufficient support for a permanent restoration. While restoring them with post and core it is important not to disrupt the apical seal. AIM: Evaluation of apical leakage after immediate and delayed postspace preparation using two root canal sealers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty single-rooted teeth were decoronated and roots were biomechanically prepared and obturated with gutta-percha and 2 sealers: AH Plus (Group A, n = 30) and Sure-Seal root canal sealer (Group B, n = 30). Groups A and B were subdivided into A1, A2 and B1, B2. Postspace was prepared immediately for A1 and B1. For A2 and B2 post space was prepared after storage in physiologic saline for 1 week. The samples were kept in Rhodamine B dye for 72 h and then sectioned longitudinally to observe dye penetration along the root canal wall under Stereomicroscope. The dye penetration was measured linearly and the values were subjected for statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance and t-test. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference between Group A (1.00 mm) and B (2.71 mm) was observed (P < 0.001). However, the subgroups for immediate and delayed post space preparation did not show statistically significant difference (A1 = 0.947; A2 = 1.043; B1 = 2.306 and B2 = 3.120, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: AH plus sealer showed lesser leakage compared to Sure-Seal Root canal sealer. The difference in leakage values was not statistically significant in delayed and immediate post space preparation groups, Time of postspace preparation has no influence on apical leakage.