In vitro analysis of MTA as root canal sealers on apical microleakage after root canal filling

Objective To compare the effect of MTA paste, Vitapex paste and zinc oxide-eugenol paste on apical microleakage after root canal filling, and evaluate the sealing ability of the MTA paste. Methods Extracted teeth were randomly divided into three groups (group A, group B, group C) after treated with routine root canal preparation technique, each with 30 cases. The teeth in the three groups were filled with MTA paste, Vitapex paste and zinc oxide-eugenol paste, respectively, and then dyed and sliced to measure the length of dyeing liquid penetrated into the root tip and root canal wall. Results The length of dyeing liquid penetrated into the root tip and root canal wall at one week, two weeks, four weeks in group A was significantly less than that in group B and group C (P0.05). Conclusion The performance of MTA paste was superior than that of zinc oxide-eugenol paste and Vitapex paste, which was expected to serve as a new root canal sealer.