Objective: To evaluate coronal microleakage in filled root canals that received different biomechanical preparations and application of liquid adhesives over the root filling and the pulp chamber walls.
Study design: Root canals of 94 extracted canine teeth were filled after being biomechanically prepared with 1% sodium hypochlorite and divided into 3 groups. In 2 groups attempts were made to remove the smear layer with either 17% EDTA or Er:YAG laser irradiation (10 Hz, 250 mJ input, 112 mJ output). Liquid adhesive (Super Bonder and Single Bond adhesive) was applied and the teeth were immersed for 90 days in India ink.
Results: Statistically significant differences were found for the different preparations, the use of liquid adhesives, and the different liquid adhesives. The use of Er:YAG laser, EDTA, and the liquid adhesive reduced coronal microleakage (P < .01).
Conclusions: Because of the risk of coronal microleakage, endodontically treated teeth should be restored as quickly as possible.