Abstract :
Endodontic management of open apices often presents a challenge which makes the delivery of root-filling materials difficult, potentially leading to overextension and/or overfilling of the root canal. The aim of this study was to compare the level of apical microleakage between the Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and the modified Portland cement (MPC) when utilized as an apical plug. The study sample consisted of 30 permanent, single-rooted human teeth, which was divided into two groups (15 MTA, 15 MPC). The length of the teeth was standardized so the average root length was 13 mm. The external root surfaces of the specimens were completely covered with two coats of nail polish. At that point, all teeth were soaked in methylene blue with the percentage of 2% and in 65% nitric acid. Then the resulting solution was channeled into an Eppendorf tube to be centrifuged in micro-centrifuges. Ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer at 550 nm was used as a measurement of optical density or absorbance of the supernatant solution. The mean of dye concentration values were 0.028, 0.032 in the MTA and MPC groups, respectively. No statistical differences in the amount of dye concentration (mg/ml) were observed between the two groups (P >0.05). With the limitation of this study, it was found that there were no statistically significant differences in the microleakage between MPC and MTA. In addition, MPC could be a replacement material of MTA in apical plugs in open apex permanent teeth.
