Bioceramic and Resin-Based Sealers Removal Using XP-Endo Finisher: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate remaining filling materials of a bioceramic sealer (TotalFill BC sealer) and an epoxy resin sealer (AH Plus) after retreatment using a supplementary instrumentation (XP-endo Finisher). Materials and Methods Forty single-rooted teeth were selected for the study. The teeth were instrumented using ProTaper system and randomly divided into two groups (n = 20). Then they were obturated with either TotalFill BC/gutta-percha or AH Plus/gutta-percha using lateral compaction technique. Canals were retreated using ProTaper retreatment files and a solvent. The groups were subdivided (n = 10) according to the application or not of the XP-endo Finisher as a final step of retreatment. All roots were cleaved longitudinally and examined under scanning electron microscope to evaluate root canal filling remnants. A scoring system was utilized to quantify the amount of residual filling material at the three predetermined portions of each root canal.Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS.25 with a significant value p < 0.05. Data were compared using the Mann–Whitney test and Kruskal–Wallis test. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the remaining filling materials for each third of the root canal after initial retreatment procedure between the TotalFill group and AH Plus group. Similar results were observed among the TotalFill groups with or without the application of XP-endo Finisher supplementary step. However, the remaining filling materials of AH Plus in the middle third of root canal were significantly less after the XP-endo Finisher application (p = 0.015). Conclusion No retreatment protocol tested in this study allowed the total elimination of root canal filling materials. The residual root canal filling materials is similar for the bioceramic and resinous sealers. The XP-endo Finisher is not effective in improving the removal of bioceramic root canal filling material while it is able to improve the removal of resinous cement.