Comparative evaluation of tip diameter of different gutta-percha cones according to ISO 6877 measurement method and direct measurement method: an in vitro study

Objectives: To evaluate sealing ability of root canals obturated with bioceramic-impregnated gutta percha cone (BCC) or gutta percha (GP), with bioceramic sealer (BCS) or AH Plus (AH; Dentsply-Maillefer), in roundly-prepared canals using matched single-cone technique, based on bacterial leakage test, and to analyze obturation quality using micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis.Materials and Methods: Ninety-two distobuccal roots of maxillary molars were prepared using nickel-titanium files to apical size 40/0.06.The roots were divided into 4 groups (n = 20) that were obturated with a master cone and sealer: GP/AH, BCC/AH, GP/BCS, and BCC/BCS.Bacterial leakage model using Enterococcus faecalis was used to evaluate sealing ability for 60-day period.Obturated samples from each group (n = 4) were analyzed using micro-CT.Results: All groups showed bacterial leakage at 20%-45% of samples with mean leakage times of 42-52 days.There were no significant differences in bacterial leakage among the groups.Micro-CT showed minimal gaps and voids in all groups at less than 1%.Conclusions: In roundly-prepared canals, the single cone obturation with BCC/BCS was comparable to GP/AH for bacterial leakage at 60 days.