Sealing ability of a mineral trioxide aggregate when used as a root end filling material.

This in vitro study used rhodamine B fluorescent dye and a confocal microscope to evaluate the sealing ability of amalgam, super EBA, and a mineral trioxide aggregate when used as root end filling materials. Thirty single-canal teeth were cleaned, shaped, and obturated with gutta-percha and root canal sealer. After application of nail polish to the external surface, the apical 3 mm of each root was resected and 3-mm deep root end preparations were made. The roots were randomly divided into three groups and the root end preparations filled with the experimental materials. All roots were then exposed to an aqueous solution of rhodamine B fluorescent dye for 24 h, longitudinally sectioned, and the extent of dye penetration measured using a confocal microscope. Statistical analysis showed that the mineral trioxide aggregate leaked significantly less than amalgam and super EBA.