In-vitro Sealing Ability of Calcium Enriched Mixture Cement Versus Amalgam as Retrograde Filling Materials

Introduction: Sealing ability of a retrograde filling material is an important factor for a successful endodontic apicoectomy. The purpose of this in-vitro study was to compare the sealing ability of calcium enriched mixture (CEM) cement versus amalgam as root-end filling materials. Methods: A total of 36 canals of extracted maxillary central incisors were instrumented and obturated using lateral compaction technique. The apical 3 mm of each root was resected and root-end prepared to a depth of 3mm.The teeth were randomly divided into two experimental groups of 15 teeth according to tested materials (Amalgam, CEM cement) and two negative and positive control groups of 3 teeth. Root- end cavities were restored with amalgam (group 1) or CEM (group 2). Sealing ability was evaluated by dye penetration method using Pelikan ink, and a stereomicroscope at x10 magnifications and 0.01 mm accuracy. Data were analyzed by T-test and P<0.05. Results: The mean linear dye microleakage for CEM cement and amalgam retrofilled groups were 2.08 and 3.77 mm, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p<0.0001). Conclusion: under the condition of this in vitro study, CEM cement provides a better seal than amalgam when used as a retrograde filling material