Evaluation of an apatite cement as a root end filling material.

A self-setting apatite cement, EBA cement, and amalgam with varnish were tested for root end sealing ability using a fluid filtration and dye technique. Single-rooted human teeth were prepared in vitro to receive root end fillings. Experimental groups were amalgam with two layers of varnish, EBA cement with dry cavity, EBA cement within a wet cavity, apatite cement within a dry cavity, and apatite cement within a wet cavity. Fluid filtration measurements were made at 6, 24, and 7 days, and 1 and 3 months. Each specimen was also subjected to a dye leakage test using Procion Green dye at 3 months. Results indicated that apatite cement provided a comparable seal to amalgam and EBA cement. This finding, in conjunction with its excellent biocompatibility, suggests that apatite cement is an acceptable alternative to present-day root end filling materials.