Comparative evaluation of continuous and sequential chelation on the dentinal tubule penetration of bioceramic-based sealer - A confocal laser scanning microscopic study.

Abstract

Effective endodontic treatment relies heavily on proper instrumentation, thorough disinfection, and precise three-dimensional obturation of the root canal system. This study aims to evaluate and compare continuous chelation (etidronic acid and sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl]) and sequential chelation (citric acid and NaOCl) on the dentinal tubule penetration of bioceramic-based sealer (Bio-C)-A confocal laser scanning microscopic study. In vitro experimental study. Sixty extracted permanent single-rooted teeth were selected and decoronated below cementoenamel junction to get a standardized length of 12 mm across all samples followed by enlargement of root canals till rotary ProTaper F3. The samples were randomly divided into three groups: Group I (control): Canals were irrigated with 3 mL 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid/3 mL 3% NaOCl; Group II: Canals were irrigated with 10 mL etidronic acid + NaOCl solution; and Group III: Canals were irrigated with 3 mL 10% citric acid followed by 3 mL 3% NaOCl. 0.1% rhodamine B dye was mixed with Bio-C sealer followed by obturation. All the samples were subjected to confocal laser scanning microscopy evaluation. One-way analysis of variance with the Bonferroni post hoc test was used for the statistical analysis. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. The pairwise comparison of depth of penetration showed statistically significant results in all the coronal, middle, and apical thirds. Group II showed better depth of penetration than Groups I and III. Continuous chelation protocol using etidronic acid and NaOCl showed greater and statistically significant sealer penetration depth when compared to the sequential chelation protocol, i.e., citric acid at all three levels.