Effect of immediate and delayed postpreparation on the integrity of the apical seal: an in vitro study.

AIM The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate if there is any significant difference in apical leakage when gutta-percha is removed immediately after obturation for postspace preparation or after a week. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two commonly used sealers AH26 and tubliseal were used in four groups each consisting of 20 teeth each. The tooth was sectioned at the amelocemental junction to leave a root portion of 12 to 14 mm. Canals were checked for patency and prepared to No-55 K file size. Two people, using a stereomicroscope, independently evaluated each tooth-half for the extent of apical leakage. RESULTS The leakage results were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA according to present study, immediate postpreparation is preferable than delayed postpreparation. The relationship of in vitro leakage measurements to the in vivo situation has not been established. CLINICAL IMPLICATION Hence, immediate postpreparation is preferable than delayed postpreparation.