The evaluation of the influence of using MTA in teeth with post indication on the apical sealing ability

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of using MTA in teeth with post-core indication and to compare it with the immediate or delayed post space preparation on the integrity of apical seal in teeth filled with gutta-percha and sealer.Study designFifty-one single-rooted freshly extracted human maxillary incisor teeth were selected. The crowns of the teeth were removed to a length of 14 mm and canals were prepared by using K-files with the step-back technique. The teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups of 15 specimens each. Group A was filled with gutta-percha and sealer using lateral compaction, and post space was prepared immediately using a heated instrument. Specimens in Group B were filled with the same materials as Group A and post space was prepared after 1 week with Gates-Glidden drills. Group C was filled with MTA as an apical 5-mm filling. In all groups, materials were left in the root canals at the apical 5-mm level. The remaining 6 teeth were used as controls. The microleakage values of each group were measured after 1 month, using a computerized fluid filtration method.ResultsThe MTA (Group C) showed less microleakage than immediate and delayed post space preparation methods (Group A, B) in 1 month, and this difference was found to be statistically significant (P < .005). Additionally, no statistically significant difference was determined between Group A and Group B (P > .05).ConclusionThese results suggest that MTA can be used in the root canals as apical filling material in teeth with post-core indication.