Objectives: To investigate apical leakage of roots filled with 6 different gutta-percha techniques; Thermafil, JS Quick-Fill, Soft Core, Microseal, System B and lateral condensation using a new computerized filtration meter.
Materials and methods: 60 extracted single rooted teeth were used. Coronal part of each tooth was removed and the root canals were prepared with step-back technique. The roots were randomly divided into six groups of 10 teeth, filled by one of the obturation technique and Kerr sealer. The teeth were kept in 100% humidity for 2 years. After this period, apical parts of roots (10 +/- 0.05 mm) were attached to computerized fluid filtration meter. Apical leakage quantity was determined as mul.cmH(2)O(-1).min(-1).
Results: Statistical analysis indicated that Thermafil, Soft Core, Quick-Fill and System B techniques showed lower leakage than Microseal and lateral condensation (P < .05). However, statistically no difference was found among the core techniques and no difference was found between microseal and lateral condensation techniques (P > .05).
Conclusions: Thermafil, Soft Core, Quick-Fill and System B techniques showed lower leakage than Microseal and lateral condensation. In addition, this new computerized fluid filtration meter allowed quantitative measurement of leakage easily.
Keywords: Fluid filtration; JS Quick-Fill; Lateral condensation; Microseal; System B; Thermafil.