The use of tricure glass ionomer cement as an apical sealant after apicoectomy.

The adaptation and sealing ability of a tricure glass ionomer material (Vitremer), used in a retrograde cavity was assessed and compared with amalgam. Fifty single-rooted, extracted teeth were prepared and filled endodontically. All teeth underwent root resection and retrograde cavities were prepared. The teeth were divided into two groups. One group of 10 teeth received a layer of varnish and an amalgam filling in a retrograde cavity, while the other group of 40 teeth received a layer of primer and a glass ionomer filling. All the teeth were placed in an aqueous solution of Procion Brilliant Blue for 7 days whereafter ground sections were prepared. Micro leakage was determined according to the extend of dye penetration using an image analysis system. The results showed that significantly less dye penetration was observed in teeth filled with the glass ionomer cement than in those with the amalgam.