Sealing Ability of Orthograde MTA and CEM Cement in Apically Resected Roots Using Bacterial Leakage Method

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the sealing ability of orthograde ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium enriched mixture (CEM) cement as root-end filling materials. Fifty four extracted single-rooted human teeth were used. The samples were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups. In group A and B, 4 mm of WMTA and CEM cement were placed in an orthograde manner and 3 mm of apices were resected after 24 hours. In group C the apical 3 mm of each root was resected and the root-end prepared with ultrasonic tips to a depth of 3 mm and subsequently, then filled with MTA. The apical sealing ability was performed with bacterial leakage method. Statistical analysis was carried out with Chi-square test. There were no significant differences in the extent of bacterial leakage between the three experimental groups (P>0.05). Based on the limitations of this in vitro study, we concluded that MTA and CEM cement can be placed in an orthograde manner when there is a potential need for root-end surgery.