Leakage Studies Reconsidered. A Review

Overview

Leakage studies are used for evaluation of the sealing quality of fillings. Thismethod is very popular due to its technical simplicity and inexpesivity. However, the finalextent of dye penetration is influenced by a number of factors. The technique of root canalinstrumentation and obturation, as well as the type of materials used, are the factors of majorimportance. Nevertheless – the type of colour indicator (its size, concentration, pH, chemicalreactivity), time from obturation to immersion, immersion period itself, the technique of samplepreparation and evaluation – can also negatively influence final results. This proceduralheterogenity can be the main cause of disagreement amongst different authors. The aim of thisreview was to present the most frequent factors that can negatively influence the results ofleakage studies.

Key words:
leakage studies – tightness of a seal – review