Sealing ability of two root-end filling materials at different retro-preparation lengths.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sealing performance, expressed as microleakage (ML), of two root-end filling materials when used at different retro-preparation lengths.

Methods: Fifty single-rooted human teeth were collected for the study. The teeth were cut at the cement-enamel junction and endodontic treatment was performed. Each root was cut at 3 mm from the apex and then stored in wet condition. The teeth were divided into three groups according to the retro-preparation length: control group (no retro-preparation); group 1 (retro-preparation of 3 mm); group 2 (retro-preparation of 9 mm). The teeth were equally allocated to either Biodentine or Super EBA treatment group. The teeth were immersed in 3% methylene blue dye solution for 24 h. The samples were split longitudinally and the depth of dye penetration was examined through light microscopy.

Results: No significant statistical differences were found at different retro-preparation lengths (P > 0.05). Differences were found between materials (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Biodentine showed significantly lower ML when compared to Super-EBA and no statistical significative differences were observed when samples were retro-prepared at 3 mm or 9 mm.