A 1-year follow-up study on leakage of single-cone fillings with RoekoRSA sealer

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to measure long-term leakage along single cone (SC) fillings.Study designTwo groups of canines (n = 30) were prepared and a size 55 file was the apical master file. Step-back was performed using files of sizes 60, 70, and 80. The canals were filled by the single cone technique using RoekoRSA as sealer. To place sealer into each canal, a bidirectional spiral was used in 1 group, whereas a gutta-percha cone was used in the other group. Immediately after root filling, the coronal portion of root filling was removed by postspace preparation. Leakage along the 4 mm remaining apical root filling was measured after 1 week and again after 1 year using a fluid transport model. Ten additional canine roots were prepared and filled with gutta-percha cones without sealer, serving as positive controls. Occurrence of apical extrusion of materials was recorded.ResultsThe apical root filling in all 60 canine roots did not show leakage either at 1 week or at 1 year. All 10 positive controls showed gross leakage (>20 μL/h). In no case gutta-percha extruded through the apical foramen. Sealer extruded apically in 88% of the roots where a gutta-percha cone was used to introduce sealer, whereas in 28% of the roots where a bidirectional spiral was used to introduce sealer (by chi-square test, P < .05).ConclusionIn wide and straight canals, SC fillings with RoekoRSA sealer prevented fluid transport for 1 year. Using bidirectional spiral to place sealer reduced sealer extrusion under the conditions of this experiment.