Comparison of sealing ability of lateral and vertical techniques in two different post space preparations

The purpose of this study was to compare the apical sealing ability of lateral and vertical compaction techniques following immediate and delayed post space preparation. Seventy-four distal and palatal roots of human extracted molars were instrumented and randomly divided into 4 experimental groups (n=15), two experimental control groups (n=5), and two positive and negative leakage controls (n=2). Canals were filled by lateral (groups 1 and 2) and vertical (groups 3 and 4) compaction techniques using Tubliseal sealer. Post space was prepared immediately after obturation in group 1 and after seven days in groups 2 and 4 using a # 3 Peeso drill. In group 3, post space was prepared immediately during down-packing phase. The teeth were kept in 2% methylen blue dye for seven days. The roots were sectioned buccolingually and the mean score of dye penetration was measured. Data was analyzed with T-test and one way ANOVA. There was significant difference in dye penetration between delayed and control-lateral compaction groups (p=0.009). There was also a significant difference in dye penetration between immediate and delayed lateral compaction groups (p=0.044). Less apical leakage in the cold lateral condensation and immediate post space preparation group was observed.