Sealing ability of a novel endodontic cement as a root-end filling material.

This study investigated the potential usage of novel endodontic cement (NEC) as a root-end filling material by comparing its sealing ability with that of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and intermediate restorative material (IRM). Sixty-six single rooted extracted human teeth were cleaned, shaped, and obturated in a similar method. After root-end resection, 3-mm deep root-end cavities were ultrasonically prepared. The samples were divided randomly into 3 test groups, having 20 roots each. Six roots were used as positive and negative controls. Samples were filled with test materials and after one day were immersed in methylene blue dye for 24 h. Roots were sectioned longitudinally and examined under stereomicroscope. Positive and negative controls responded as expected. The increasing order of mean dye microleakage values was NEC < MTA < IRM. ANOVA test showed statistically significant differences among experimental groups (p < 0.001). Tukey's test revealed no significant difference between NEC and MTA. It was concluded that the sealing ability of NEC and MTA is the same and superior to IRM. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008.