Evaluation of the Apical Seal in Root Canals Prepared with a New Rotary System and Obturated with a Methacrylate Based Endodontic Sealer: An In Vitro Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the apical seal of root canals prepared with a new rotary system, Anatomic Endodontic Technology (AET) and filled with a methacrylate based endodontic sealer and a single gutta-percha cone and a lateral condensation technique, using the methacrylate based endodontic sealer/filler or Grossman's cement. The root canals of 45 freshly extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were prepared and then randomly assigned to three groups of 15 teeth each. After cleaning and shaping the teeth were obturated as follows: in group 1 the canals were filled with a methacrylate based sealer and a single gutta-percha cone; in group 2 the canals were filled using a lateral condensation technique with gutta-percha and the methacrylate based sealer; and in group 3, the canals were filled by means of lateral condensation of gutta-percha and Grossman's cement (control group). The specimens were stored in 100% relative humidity at 37°C for 72 h, after which the coronal portion and the root surface of each tooth was covered with three layers of nail varnish and a final layer of sticky wax. After immersion in 2% methylene blue dye for 7 days, the specimens were imbedded in clear orthodontic resin and sectioned. Dye penetration was evaluated by an independent investigator using a stereo microscope. The results demonstrated that more pronounced leakage occurred in root canals obturated with the lateral condensation technique and Grossman's cement (p < 0.05). The least amount of dye leakage was observed for group 1 and 2 in which the methacrylate based sealer was used, either with a single gutta-percha cone or with lateral condensation of gutta-percha.