Comparison of Apical Sealing Ability of Two Phases of Gutta–Percha: A Bacterial Leakage Model

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare apical sealing ability of alpha and beta phases of gutta-percha by means of bacterial leakage model. Materials and Methods: Fifty single-rooted human premolars were selected. The root canals were prepared with Mtwo rotary instruments up to apical #35.04. Forty teeth were randomly divided into two groups (n= 20). The root canals were obturated by alpha phase (G1) and beta phase (G2) of gutta-percha and AH26 sealer, respectively, with warm vertical compaction technique. Ten teeth served as positive (n=8) and negative (n=2) control groups. Then, the specimens were sterilized with ethylene oxide gas. Bacterial suspension of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in 0.5 McFarland concentration was prepared. All teeth were mounted in plastic vial caps containing Muller Hinton broth and then exposed to Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare apical sealing ability of alpha and beta phases of gutta-percha by means of bacterial leakage model. Materials and Methods: Fifty single-rooted human premolars were selected. The root canals were prepared with Mtwo rotary instruments up to apical #35.04. Forty teeth were randomly divided into two groups (n= 20). The root canals were obturated by alpha phase (G1) and beta phase (G2) of gutta-percha and AH26 sealer, respectively, with warm vertical compaction technique. Ten teeth served as positive (n=8) and negative (n=2) control groups. Then, the specimens were sterilized with ethylene oxide gas. Bacterial suspension of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in 0.5 McFarland concentration was prepared. All teeth were mounted in plastic vial caps containing Muller Hinton broth and then exposed to