An in vitro study of coronal microleakage around bonded amalgam coronal-radicular cores in endodontically treated molar teeth.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the coronal microleakage of conventional and bonded amalgam coronal-radicular (Nayyar) restorations on endodontically treated molar teeth, because coronal seal is a major factor in the long-term success of endodontic treatment.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

Forty extracted human molar teeth were root-filled and prepared for coronal-radicular amalgam restorations. Four groups of 10 teeth were restored with Tytin amalgam and Vitrebond, Superbond D Liner II, Panavia 21, or no adhesive agent. The teeth were placed in India ink for 1 week, and then demineralized and rendered transparent. The ink penetration was assessed with a coded scoring system.

RESULTS

The bonded amalgam groups produced significantly less leakage than did the nonbonded group. No statistically significant differences in leakage were detected among the bonded amalgam groups.

CONCLUSION

To prevent the reinfection of the endodontically treated molar, it may be preferable to restore the tooth immediately after obturation by employing a bonded amalgam coronal-radicular technique.