A comparative evaluation of marginal integrity of retroplast, KETAC-N100 and gutta-percha before and after post space preparation using fluid filtration technique: An in-vitro study

The aim of the present in-vitro study was to evaluate and compare the apical microleakage of Retroplast, Ketac-N100 and heat burnished gutta-percha before and after post space preparation using fluid filtration system. A total of 60 freshly extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were decoronated to obtain a uniform length of 15 mm. each. Mean microleakage of all three materials before and after post space preparation were compared using Two way ANOVA test and multiple comparisons between the groups were done using Bonferroni test. The results showed that group 4 showed least mean microleakage (0.10μl/min), and group 3 showed maximum microleakage (0.33μl/min). Between the materials, Retroplast showed least mean microleakage followed by Ketac-N100 and maximum microleakage was exhibited by heat burnished gutta-percha, and the results were statistically significant. All the three materials showed significantly more micro leakages when the fillings were done before post space preparation. Within the limitations of this in-vitro study it was concluded that Retroplast has better bonding to resected root surface followed by KetacN100. Heat burnished gutta-percha showed maximum apical microleakage compared to Retroplast and Ketac-N100. Post space preparation done with peeso-reamers had significant effect on the apical leakage of Retroplast, Ketac-N100 and Heat burnished gutta-percha, when apical 5mm. of remaining gutta-percha was present. The post space preparations followed by root end restorations exhibited significant reduction in apical microleakage.