"Sealing the Deal: A Comparative Evaluation of Immediate and Delayed Post Space Preparation Techniques on Apical Microleakage- An In vitro Study”

Abstract

Background:

Successful endodontic therapy relies not only on proper cleaning, shaping, and obturation of the root canal system but also on maintaining a fluid-tight apical and coronal seal. Post space preparation, if not carefully executed, may disrupt the apical seal and compromise long-term success. This in vitro study compares the extent of dye microleakage following immediate and delayed post space preparation techniques.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty extracted human maxillary central incisors were decoronated and divided into four groups (n=20 each). Groups 1 and 2 underwent obturation with cold lateral condensation using gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. Group 1 (IAC) had immediate post space preparation after obturation, while Group 2 (DAC) underwent delayed preparation after 48 hours. Group 3 served as the positive control (unobturated), and Group 4 as the negative control (fully sealed). Dye infiltration using Indian ink was assessed from apical to coronal direction after clearing and decalcification. Microleakage was measured under a stereomicroscope, and data were analyzed statistically using unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results:

Mean dye penetration was 0.2000 mm in IAC and 0.2170 mm in DAC groups. Although Group DAC showed slightly higher leakage, the difference was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Both immediate and delayed post space preparation techniques preserved the apical seal effectively when 5 mm of gutta-percha was retained. Timing of post preparation had no significant impact on apical microleakage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining adequate apical filling regardless of technique.