An in-vitro evaluation and correlation of homogeneity, adaptation and microleakage of a silicone based root canal filling material guttaflow: a stereomicroscopic study

Context: Total obliteration of root canal space and accessory canals is necessary for successful endodontic root canal treatment. On the horizon, GuttaFlow which has some properties like cold yet flowable, expansion instead of shrinkage, greater density of gutta-percha have made this material to be chosen for study. Aims: Aim of study was to evaluate homogeneity and adaptation of GuttaFlow to canal walls and to evaluate apical microleakage of obturated teeth at the interface in comparison to the laterally and vertically condensed G.P. Methods and Material: 124 human maxillary central incisors were decoronated followed by root canal preparation. Teeth were then randomly divided into 3-groups of laterally condensed (LC), vertically condensed (VC) and GuttaFlow (GF). To check the homogeneity, the 3-groups divided in to sub-groups A, B, and C respectively while to check the microleakage, the 3-groups divided in to another sub-groups I, II, and III respectively (sub-groups having 20 teeth each, with 2 negative and 2 positive control). Group A, B, C were horizontally sectioned at two levels and digitally photographed at 20X magnification using stereo-microscope. Area of voids was measured using AutoCAD image analyzing software. Group I, II, III specimen were prepared and sectioned longitudinally to measure linear extent of dye penetration using 2% methylene blue dye. Finally, the collected data were statistically analyzed. Results: Group A and C showed statistically significant difference for presence of voids. Considering apical microleakage, an extremely statistically significant difference was found between group I and II and group I and III. Also, the single cone technique using GuttaFlow showed a superior result as compared to LC technique Conclusion: In terms of apical micro-leakage, the sealing ability of GuttaFlow is superior to the gold standard of lateral compaction with sealer and comparable to that of thermo plasticized G.P. technique.