Coronal leakage of two root canal sealers containing calcium hydroxide after exposure to human saliva.

This in vitro study evaluated the coronal leakage of human saliva into root canals filled by lateral condensation of gutta-percha using two root canal sealers containing calcium hydroxide. Obturated canals with gutta-percha and either Sealapex of Sealer 26 were mounted in an apparatus and then exposed to saliva. The number of days required for total recontamination of the root canal was recorded. Evaluation was conducted for 60 days. Thirty-five percent of the specimens of the Sealer 26 group showed entire recontamination at 60 days. Eighty percent of the root canals obturated with Sealapex showed complete recontamination at 60 days. Sealer 26 presented significantly less leakage than Sealapex (p < 0.01).