An in vitro investigation of the apical seal produced by a new thermoplasticized gutta-percha obturation technique.

This investigation quantitatively analyzed apical leakage in teeth in which one of two new thermoplasticized gutta-percha obturating techniques were used. Apical leakage observed after use of the thermoplasticized techniques was compared to leakage found in teeth that had been obturated with conventional lateral condensation. Statistically significant differences (P less than 0.05) were found among the three groups. The lateral condensation group exhibited the least leakage, followed by the thermoplasticized group, and the thermoplasticized twist-off group exhibited the most apical leakage.