The Comparison of Apical Leakage between Two Obturation Techniques (Cold Lateral Condensation and Obtura II) by Using Fluid Filtration Method

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the apical sealing ability of cold lateral condensation and Obtura II by using fluid filtration method. Methods: Thirty four single-canal mandibular premolars with mature apices and apical curvature less than 20 degrees were selected. For obtaining complete similarity among samples, all teeth were shortened to 15 mm by cutting the remained crown. For canal preparation, the manual step-back technique by K-files was used. The teeth were divided into two experimental groups (each group included 15 teeth), positive controls (n = 2), and negative controls (n = 2). Teeth in group 1 and 2 were obturated with cold lateral condensation and Obtura II, respectively. To allow the sealer to set, all teeth were stored at 100% humidity and 37°C for the next seven days. For measurement of apical leakage, fluid filtration method was used. The amount of leakage in each canal was recorded as µ L/min/cm H 2 O. Independent T-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Teeth obturated with cold lateral condensation showed significantly more leakage than those obturated with Obtura II (P value = 0.022). Conclusions: Obtura II may obtain better apical seal than cold lateral condensation.