Evaluation of resin sealer penetration of dentin following different final rinses for endodontic irrigation using confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the depth of sealer penetration into dentinal tubules following different final rinses and indirectly evaluate precipitation of irrigating solutions. Methods: 52 extracted maxillary incisors were prepared to size 40/04 with 6% sodium hypochlorite irrigating solution. Following power analysis, teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=13) according to final rinse. Group 1 - 17% EDTA, Saline and 2% Chlorhexidine solution; Group 2 - SmearOFF™; Group 3 - Qmix® ; and Group 4 - saline control. Obturation was performed with gutta percha and resin sealer mixed with rhodamine-B-isothiocyanate dye using warm vertical compaction. Teeth were sectioned into apical, middle, and coronal thirds using Buehler diamond saw at 3, 6 and 9mm from the apex. Sections were examined under confocal laser scanning microscopy, and images were exported to Image J software to measure the maximum depth of sealer penetration circumferentially. Data were analysed using a generalised linear model and post hoc multiple comparisons with significance set at P<0.05. Group 3 had the highest depth of penetration. There were statistically significant differences between Groups 2 and 3 and control for all sections, Group 1 and control in apical section only. Conclusion: Recently developed final rinses produced higher sealer penetration and more patent dentinal tubules than using EDTA and chlorhexidine sequentially.