Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage in Endodontically Treated Teeth Using an Alkasite Restorative Material Versus Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement (RMGIC) as an Intraorifice Barrier: A Study Protocol

Background The most popular approach to treating pulpal and periapical disease is endodontic therapy, but the most common failure after root canal therapy, if not followed by planned rehabilitation of the tooth, is tooth fracture, which may be so severe in some cases needing extraction. Inadequate endodontic restorations increase the risk of fracture and coronal leakage, which can disseminate bacteria and their byproducts and perhaps lead to the failure of root canal therapy. In order to offer protection against masticatory forces along with compressive obturation forces that can lead to vertical root fracture, research has also supported the use of post-endodontic treatment restorative materials with an elastic modulus that is either greater or comparable to the tooth itself for post-endodontic restorations. Restorative materials that can bond to root dentin can be used to create intraorifice barriers, which prevent coronal microleakage and reinforce the radicular dentin. The current in vitro study aims to assess the effects of various intraorifice barriers (an alkasite restorative material versus resin-modified glass ionomer cement) on the sealing ability of the intraorifice barriers following root canal therapy. Methodology In vitro, confocal laser microscopy is used to determine the microleakage of various intraorifice barriers. Conclusion The sealing ability of a post-endodontic restoration is crucial for the overall success of endodontic treatment, and this in vitro study protocol would ultimately help in selecting the appropriate intraorifice barrier.