The assessment of apical leakage of root-filled teeth by the electrochemical technique.

Since its inception by Jacobson and von Fraunhofer in 1976, several studies have used the electrochemical method to assess the leakage occurring around root canal fillings. This study has examined aspects of the electrochemical technique and the effects that this test method may have on leakage results. The findings have raised concerns about the application of the technique. It is evident that electrochemical leakage testing over 30 days can influence the electrochemical leakage reading at 30 days and may influence the linear dye penetration recorded at 30 days. It is suggested that testing for electrochemical leakage should not precede the assessment of linear dye penetration.