Sealing ability of composite resin placed over calcium hydroxide and calcium sulphate plugs in the repair of furcation perforations in mandibular molars: a study in vitro.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the sealing ability of various materials in the repair of furcation perforations in mandibular molars by measuring coronal microleakage with Indian ink. Ninety extracted mandibular molars were embedded individually into a plaster of Paris block, with the roots surrounded by a simulated periodontal ligament of silicone. Subsequently, a standard coronal access opening was prepared, the root canal orifices were located and a perforation was made with a size 012 round bur in a water-cooled high-speed handpiece directly into the centre of the floor of the pulp chamber. The perforations were repaired with amalgam, composite resin, calcium sulphate under composite resin and calcium hydroxide under composite resin. The teeth were coated with two layers of nail polish, leaving the access opening area uncovered, and immersed in Indian ink for 4 days at 37 degrees C. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally and dye penetration measured from the coronal level of the repair material to the apical end of the perforation. All experimental groups revealed dye penetration in varying degrees, but there was no significant difference amongst them (Kruskal-Wallis test P < 0.05). Calcium sulphate and calcium hydroxide prevented overextrusion of composite resin when used under this repair material.