Comparative evaluation of the apical sealing ability of different obturation techniques-an in vitro study

Purpose: The present study aimed to compare the apical sealing ability of three different obturation techniques, namely cold lateral condensation, carrier-based obturation (GuttaCore), and single cone (GuttaFlow Bioseal) using a dye penetration method.
Methods: Freshly extracted mandibular premolars were collected. After biomechanical preparation, samples were divided into three groups (n = 15) and were obturated. Each root was coated with nail polish except the apical 3 mm. Samples were immersed in 2% methylene blue for 72 h at 37°C. All the roots were sectioned buccolingually. Samples were then examined under a stereomicroscope at 0.8×. The linear extent of dye penetration was measured in mm from the apical end of the preparation.
Results: Cold lateral condensation technique showed the highest amount of apical microleakage, fol- lowed by GuttaCore and GuttaFlow Bioseal. A statistically significant difference was found when GuttaFlow Bioseal was compared with cold lateral condensation and GuttaCore. The results were not statisti- cally significant when cold lateral condensation and GuttaCore were compared.
Conclusion: GuttaFlow Bioseal, in combination with the single cone technique, shows better apical sealing ability when compared to carrier-based obturation (GuttaCore) and cold lateral condensation technique.