OMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT AND MICROLEAKAGE BETWEEN CONVENTIONAL AND A NOVEL METHOD OF ORTHOGRADE PLACEMENT OF MTA AT THE ROOT APEX- AN INVITRO STUDY.

Abstract

Context: New method of orthograde placement of mineral trioxide aggregate at the root apex to overcome the existing difficult placement.

Aim: To introduce a novel method of creation of a dense MTA plug at the root apex in open apical foramen cases. 

To evaluate the radiographic assessment of apical plug and microleakage between conventional and a novel method of orthograde placement of MTA at root apex.

Settings and Design: In-vitro study with custom made alveolus replica.

Methods and Materials: 30 decoronated human maxillary central incisors were selected and open apex was created using peeso reamer of size 1- 6. They were then placed in custom made alveolus replica and divided into 2 groups.

Group 1:  MTA placed using conventional messing gun method.

Group 2: MTA placed using novel method.  This method comprised of making an impression of the apical third with gutta-percha stick, fabrication of solid MTA extra-orally and its placement in the root apex.

Then, radiographic assessment by clinicians and microleakage study using 2% methylene blue solution were performed.

Statistical analysis used: The data was analysed by Mann-Whitney U test.

Results: Clinicians reported superiorly condensed apical plugs when novel method was used.  The novel method also revealed less microleakage compared to conventional method with statistically significant difference (p?0.001).

Conclusion: Novel method was easy for orthograde placement of MTA at the apex and showed excellent compaction and had the least microleakage than conventional method.

Key Messages: Novel method will resolve the problems faced by conventional method and produce better apical seal.

Key words: Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), Apical Plug, Microleakage.