An evaluation of microbial coronal leakage in the restored pulp chamber of root-canal treated multirooted teeth

This in vitro study investigated the effect of a resin-reinforced glass ionomer lining material on the coronal leakage of a mixed obligate microbial marker in maxillary molars obturated with lateral condensation of cold gutta-percha and Tubliseal sealer, after 2 years' storage. Forty maxillary first molars were prepared chemomechanically to a size 30-40 master apical file. The teeth were divided into an experimental group (30 teeth) and control group (10 teeth). In the experimental group, the floor of pulp chamber and the root-canal opening of 15 teeth were covered with Vitrebond as a lining; the remaining 15 teeth received no lining. These teeth were tested for leakage using a microbiological marker consisting of anaerobic streptococci and Fusobacterium nucleatum. The teeth were checked daily for bacterial leakage for 60 days. All positive control teeth leaked within 48 h, while the negative control teeth remained uncontaminated throughout the test period. The teeth restored with Vitrebond liner showed no leakage whilst 60% of the specimens with no Vitrebond liner showed leakage after 60 days.