Evaluation of Postobturation Apical Microleakage Following Intracanal Irrigation with Collagen Cross-Linker Agent “Proanthocyanidin”. (An In Vitro Study)

Grape seed extract is rich of Proanthocyanidin (PA) as a collagen cross-link which enhances the mechanical properties and bond strength of dentin. The aim of this study was to evaluate postobturation apical seal following intracanal irrigation with PA. Materials and methods: Thirty straight palatal roots of upper 1^st molars were decoronated and instrumented by ProTaper universal hand system till size F4 (40, 06). Based on the final irrigating regimen, samples were divided into 3 groups (n=10): G1: distilled water, G2: 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)/17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), G3: 7% Proanthocyanidin (PA). All samples were filled with gutta percha and AH Plus sealer and incubated at 37°C for 7 days. The roots were coated by nail varnish and immersed in 2% methylene blue dye solution in individual dappen dish and stored in the solution for 14 days. The highest mean value of apical microleakage was observed in G1 (4.68 ± 0.29) followed by G2 (2.88 ± 0. 23), while G3 (1.94 ± 0. 19) has lowest mean value in dye penetration. There were overall significant differences in the mean scores among all the three groups (P < 0.001).