A standardized technique for linear dye leakage studies: immediate versus delayed immersion times

摘要

Summary.A dye leakage study was performedin vitroto compare the extent of leakage into root canals obturated with gutta‐percha following immediate versus delayed immersion in Indian ink. Sixty extracted human teeth with single canals were instrumented and obturated with gutta‐percha and sealer. Each group of 20 teeth was then immersed in the ink either immediately after obturation or after a delay of 1 or 7 days. After 7 days in Indian ink, the teeth were rendered transparent by clearing, and the linear extent of ink penetration was measured with a stereomicroscope. Complete leakage was observed in the two positive control teeth, and no leakage was evident in the two negative controls. Statistical analysis of the results indicated that there was no significant difference in leakage between the three experimental gro