3D analyses of interface voids in root canals filled with different sealer materials in combination with warm gutta-percha technique

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyze the formation of voids and gaps in root canals obturated with different sealer materials in combination with warm gutta-percha vertical compaction technique by using BeeFill® 2in1. Twenty-four single-rooted teeth were collected, and root canals were prepared by using rotary files. All teeth were randomly allocated into three groups. Each group was obturated by using the BeeFill® 2in1 system in combination with Sealapex (non-eugenol, calcium hydroxide polymeric root canal sealer; Kerr Sybron, USA), RoekoSeal (polydimethylsiloxane-based sealer; Roeko, Germany), or 2Seal (epoxy-amine resin-based sealer; VDW, Germany). Following preparation, all teeth were scanned with a micro-computed tomography (CT) scanner, and a three-dimensional reconstruction of the obturated root canals was performed to analyze the volume of interface voids and gaps in the obturated teeth. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the silicon-based sealer RoekoSeal induced significantly less voids and gaps than other tested materials. The amount of voids and gaps significantly was higher in the apical region. These data indicate that none of the root canal-filled teeth were free of gaps. Teeth obturated with RoekoSeal demonstrated to have the highest quality in terms of voids and gaps formation in combination with the BeeFill® 2in1 obturation system. These findings point to the potential benefit of micro-CT analyses for in vitro evaluation of root canal obturation systems and provide further information about sealer materials used in combination with a warm gutta-percha vertical compaction technique.