An in vitro comparative study on the effect of different timing of post space preparation on apical microleakage of fiber posts

To compare the effect of different timing of post space preparation on apical microleakage of fiber posts.

A sample of 30 human mandibular first premolars with single root canal was collected. They were prepared with Protaper system by the crown-down technique and obturated with gutta-percha + AH-plus by warm vertical condensation technique. The teeth were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10/group). Group A, immediate post space preparation. Group B, delayed post space preparation after two days. Group C, delayed post space preparation after seven days. All the specimens were dyed with India ink and transparented, and then the apical permeated lengths were measured under microscope. And t test statistical analysis were conducted.

The mean apical permeated lengths of the three groups were all slight, and were (0.96 ± 0.15) mm in group A, (0.97 ± 0.11) mm in group B, (1.01 ± 0.12) mm in group C, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P＞0.05).

Different timing of post space preparation caused no significant differences on apical microleakage of fiber posts.