Apical microleakage in root canals with separated rotary instruments obturated with different endodontic sealers

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate apical microleakage in root canals containing broken rotary instruments obturated with cold lateral condensation and thermoplasticized injectable gutta-percha, with different sealers, using glucose penetration leakage study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, 96 extracted human mandibular premolars were decoronated, and the roots were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 12). Root canals were instrumented with #30 4% taper rotary files. The files were scratched 3 mm from the tip by a high-speed handpiece, and they were intentionally broken in the apical third of the canals. The middle and coronal sections of the canals were obturated by cold lateral condensation and thermoplasticized technique, using ZOE, resin, CaOH, and bioceramic sealers. Apical microleakage was measured using the glucose penetration method. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Independent Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc analysis were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Bioceramic sealer group showed the least apical microleakage and this was then followed by the resin and CaOH groups demonstrating lesser apical microleakage and the highest microleakage was with the ZOE group. Mean apical microleakage scores between lateral and thermoplastic condensation techniques in each group were statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Bioceramic sealer demonstrated the least apical leakage, whereas ZOE seal displayed the highest apical leakage.