Abstract

Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of two obturation techniques, with and without immediate thermal post-space preparation, on the apical seal of two endodontic sealers.
Methods: The root canals of 140 extracted maxillary central incisors were prepared after cutting their crown, and 120 were divided into two groups (n=60): Group I, without post-space preparation, and Group II, with immediate thermal post-space preparation. Each group was further divided into four subgroups (n=15) according to materials and techniques of obturation: Subgroup A (AH Plus / single-cone), Subgroup B (AH Plus / lateral condensation), Subgroup C (GuttaFlow Bioseal / single-cone), and Subgroup D (GuttaFlow Bioseal / lateral condensation). The remaining 20 roots served as control groups (n=10) and for the preparation of blank solutions (n=10). The apical seal was assessed using the dye extraction method. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t tests.
Results: Apical leakage values for GuttaFlow Bioseal and AH Plus were significantly influenced by the obturation techniques and immediate post-space preparation (p

Key words: Apical leakage, dye extraction method, endodontic sealers, GuttaFlow Bioseal, obturation techniques, post-space preparation