Solubility of root canal sealers with different organic solvents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the solubility of the new root canal sealer Epiphany and to compare it with 2 conventional sealers against 2 organic solvents commonly used in retreatment. Standardized cylindric glass molds 5 mm wide and 2 mm high were filled with freshly mixed root canal sealers AH Plus, Ketac-Endo, and Epiphany. Samples were stored at 37 degrees C for 2 weeks. Each sample was immersed in chloroform or eucalyptus oil for 2 min, 5 min, and 10 min. The mean percentage loss of weight was determined for each material in each solvent and for each immersion period. There were no significant differences at 2 and 5 min (P > .05) for all tested sealers in all immersed solvents. AH Plus and Epiphany sealers showed significantly higher solubilities (P < .05) in chloroform than in eucalyptus oil. Epiphany was the most soluble root canal sealer in both the solvents. Ketac-Endo was the least soluble sealer in both chloroform and eucalyptus oil at all exposure times (P < .05). The root canal sealers Epiphany and AH Plus dissolved to some extent and more than Ketac-Endo, using either eucalyptus oil or chloroform as the solvent.