The Comparison of Apical Leakage between Two Obturation Techniques (Cold Lateral Condensation and Obtura II) by Using Fluid Filtration Method

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to compare the apical sealing ability of cold lateral condensation and Obtura II by using fluid filtrationmethod. Methods: Thirty four single-canal mandibular premolars with mature apices and apical curvature less than 20 degrees were se- lected. For obtaining complete similarity among samples, all teeth were shortened to 15 mm by cutting the remained crown. For canal preparation, themanual step-back technique by K-files was used. The teeth were divided into two experimental groups (each group included 15 teeth), positive controls (n = 2), and negative controls (n = 2). Teeth in group 1 and 2 were obturated with cold lateral condensation and Obtura II, respectively. To allow the sealer to set, all teeth were stored at 100% humidity and 37°C for the next seven days. For measurement of apical leakage, fluid filtration method was used. The amount of leakage in each canal was recorded as L/min/cmH2O. Independent T-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Teeth obturated with cold lateral condensation showed significantlymore leakage than those obturated with Obtura II (P value = 0.022). Conclusions: Obtura IImay obtain better apical seal than cold lateral condensation.