Evaluation of Apical Sealing Ability of a Dentin Bonding Agent and Epoxy Resin used as Root Canal Sealer - An In Vitro Dye Leakage Study

Abstract

Objectives: Total obliteration of the canal space and perfect sealing of the apical foramen with an inert, dimensionally stable and biologically compatible material are the goals for successful endodontic treatment. A microscopic layer of debris is formed during bio-mechanical preparation of the canal called Smear layer. This interferes with adhesion and penetration of canal sealers and its removal is necessary. Dentin bonding agents have been studied extensively for their adhesive properties in restorative dentistry and recently as root canal sealers. Microleakage studies of their sealing abilities are few. Materials and Methods: This study evaluated sealing efficacy of a dentin bonding agent when used as root canal sealer along with AH26, an epoxy resin sealer and the effect of the smear layer on the sealing ability. 60 extracted maxillary anterior teeth were taken, sectioned at the Cemento enamel junction, cleaned and shaped with 2% K files. They were divided into 4 groups, GroupsAandBwithoutEDTApre-treatment and GroupsCandDwithEDTApre-treatment. GroupsAandCwere obturated withAH26 and Groups B and D were obturated with dentin bonding agent Polibond andAH26 with gutta percha and lateral condensation method. Apical dye penetration was measured using 2% Methylene Blue and evaluated with stereo microscope. Results were tabulated and statistical analysis done. Results: The chemically cured bonding agent Polibond used with AH26 showed significantly less apical leakage when smear layer was removed before obturation. Conclusion: Use of dentin bonding agents and resin sealers in root canal obturations achieves effective apical sealing when used with gutta percha. This improves the success of endodontic therapy.