Potential sealing ability of a new propolis-based sealer used as apical plug compared to MTA

Objective:The main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the sealing ability of an experimental propolis-based cement (EPC) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), both as apical plug, using the glucose leakage system.Thereafter, a bacterial leakage test was employed to evaluate the EPC sealing ability.Methods: For the glucose leakage test, 30 root segments (12 mm) were randomly divided into two experimental groups (n = 15), according to the cement used as apical plug, as follows: G1 = MTA; G2 = EPC.Root segments were prepared and the amount of glucose leakage was measured, following an enzymatic reaction, and quantified by a spectrophotometer.Data were analyzed by means of Student's t-test (p < 0.05).For the bacterial leakage test, another 15 teeth were subject to apexification procedures, filled with EPC and mounted in a specific apparatus.The number of leaking specimens was observed weekly for 70 days.Results: EPC was significantly superior to MTA (p < 0.001).The EPC sealing ability was 100% and 60% efficient in glucose and bacterial leakage tests, respectively.Conclusions: The experimental propolis-based cement used as apical plug promoted superior sealing ability when compared to MTA, and excellent performance in both leakage systems.