ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the apical leakage amount of the root canals filled with Thermafil technique, thermoplasticized injectable gutta-percha technique and lateral condensation technique by dye penetration method. In the study, 45 extracted human maxillary incisor teeth were used. After root canal cleaning and shaping, the teeth were divided into three groups of 15 teeth in each according to the technique of root canal filling: Group 1; lateral condensation technique, Group 2; Thermafil technique and Group 3; thermoplasticised injectable gutta-percha technique. After filling the roots, the root surfaces were coated with a double layer of nail varnish, except for the 2 mm part of the apical area, and immersed in Indian ink for 15 days. Dye penetration at the apical level was assessed with the clearing technique. Results of the study were evaluated statistically by using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. There were no statistically significant differences between Group 1 and Group 3, and Group 2 and Group 3 (p>0.05), while a statistically significant difference was found between Group 1 and Group 2 (p<0.05). The mean apical leakage values were, from lower to higher, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 1, respectively. In conclusion the least leakage was observed with Thermafil technique with the use of dye penetration method. Therefore Thermafil technique can be regarded as an efficient filling system in achieving a successful endodontic therapy.