Effect of Different Tapered Gutta Percha Cones in Apical Microleakage of Human Root Canal Obturation

Background and purpose: Gutta-percha is generally accepted as the main canal filler. Standard gutta-percha cones are available in 2-10% tapers. The purpose of this study was to compare apical microleakage of canals obturated with different tapers of gutta-percha, using the protein penetration technique. Materials and methods: In this study, 96 maxillary anterior teeth were selected and were prepared by protaper rotary files. The teeth were divided into six experimental groups (n=15) and two control groups (n=3). All groups were obturated with different tapered master cone (2-4-6%) and accessory cone (2-4%) by lateral condensation technique. Protein microleakage was measured in each sample. Data was analyzed applying Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann Whitney test. Results: Statistical analysis showed significant differences between all experimental groups (P<0.001). The least levels of microleakage were seen in the group treated with 2% master cone and 2% accessory cone, while the highest levels were found in teeth obturated with 4% master cone and 2% accessory cone. Conclusion: In this study, 2% master cone and 2% accessory cone caused least microleakage, but the 6% master cone and 4% accessory cone also showed good results.