Percentage Of Sealer Penetration Research Articles

Assessment of different irrigation techniques on the penetration depth of different sealers into dentinal tubules by confocal laser scanning microscope: An in vitro comparative study.

The effective disinfection of the entire root canal system aids in the penetration of irrigants into the dentinal tubules further improving sealer penetration and achieving a three-dimensional seal in endodontically treated teeth. Various final irrigation techniques can be employed to achieve this goal. Therefore, this study intended to assess and compare the efficacy of three final irrigation techniques on the depth of penetration of two root canal sealers into dentinal tubules using confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Forty-eight single-rooted mandibular premolars were selected and decoronated to a length of 12 mm. All the samples were prepared using ProTaper Gold rotary files and divided into three groups: Group 1 - Conventional syringe irrigation (CSI), Group 2 - passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and Group 3 - Pro-agitator tip system (PATS). Each group was divided into two subgroups: Subgroup A - AH Plus and Subgroup B - GuttaFlow Bioseal (GFB). Then, sealers were mixed with 0.1% rhodamine B dye and the samples were obturated. All the samples were sectioned at 2 mm and 5 mm from the apex and visualized under confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) (10×) for maximum mean penetration depth and percentage of sealer penetration. Statistical analysis was done using the independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance test, followed by Tukey's Post hoc analysis. PUI performed better in the apical third, whereas PUI and PATS showed comparable results in the middle third for both depth and percentage of sealer penetration. Among the two sealers, GFB performed better than AH Plus in both the apical and middle third. These values were statistically significant. (P < 0.05). Final irrigation activation with PUI or PATS can significantly improve sealer penetration. The average depth of penetration of GFB both at the middle and apical third of the root was significantly superior to AH Plus.

Comparison of Easydo Activator, ultrasonic and needle irrigation techniques on sealer penetration and smear layer removal in vitro

The effects of Easydo Activator (EA), a new sonic irrigation system, on sealer penetration at the root apex were compared to needle irrigation (NI) and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) in this study. Forty-two single-rooted teeth were prepared and randomly divided into three groups (n = 14): group 1: NI; group 2: PUI; and group 3: EA. A solution of 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was used for irrigation. Nine teeth in each group were filled with AH Plus sealer mixed with CY5 fluorescent dye and a single gutta-percha cone. The sealer penetration area, maximum penetration depth and percentage of sealer penetration at 5 mm and 1 mm from the apex were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The remaining 5 teeth in each group were subjected to test smear layer scores by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The CLSM evaluation showed that increases in the area, depth and percentage of sealer penetration were detected at 1 and 5 mm from the root apex in the PUI group compared with the NI group, and greater increases were observed in the EA group (P < 0.05). The SEM experiment showed that the lowest scores for the smear layer and debris removal were achieved by the EA group when compared with the PUI and NI groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, EA was superior to PUI and NI regarding sealer penetration at the root apex during endodontic treatment, and it could provide a new technical idea for clinical root canal therapy.

Comparison of sealer penetration of sonic activation versus conventional needle irrigation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundMost existing studies comparing the efficiency of sonic irrigation (SI) and conventional needle irrigation (CNI) in increasing the penetration of sealers into dentine tubules are controversial; and this study aimed to determine whether the use of SI can lead to greater sealing ability than CNI, during the root canal treatment.MethodsThe EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were used to find confocal laser scanning microscopy studies evaluating percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration following the use of SI or CNI in mature permanent teeth until October 2022. The critical estimative checklist of randomized controlled trials of the standardized Joanna Briggs Institute was adopted to independently score the quality of each study. The random-effect model for meta-analysis was used to analyse for each canal segment (apical, middle, coronal). The results are shown in the forest plots as weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).ResultsNinety-seven articles were included in the preliminary screening, and nine of them were included in this study. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis.The meta-analysis exhibited great increases in the coronal (WMD: 8.09, 95% CI 2.78–13.40/WMD: 165.32, 95% CI 128.85–201.80), and middle segments (WMD: 8.81, 95% CI 5.76–11.87/WMD: 132.98, 95% CI 68.71–197.25) for the percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration, respectively. The percentage of sealer penetration in the apical thirds region was nonsignificant (WMD: 4.73, 95% CI − 2.34–11.80). However, the maximum depth of sealer penetration in the apical thirds region was significant (WMD: 121.46, 95% CI 86.55–156.38). Chi-squared analysis revealed heterogeneity scores of 0.0–70.0% and 44.0–90.0% for the percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration, respectively.DiscussionThis review verified that SI significantly improves tubular dentin sealer penetration in most areas of the root canal; thus, SI may lead to better filling efficiency and anti-reinfection effects than CNI during and after the root canal therapy. Nevertheless, a large heterogeneity in the current data comparing the irrigation efficiency of SI versus CNI in the apical third of the root canal was found, implying the necessity to standardize root canal irrigation procedures and obtain more accurate results in this area.Trial Registration: INPLASY database (INPLASY202270116).

Carrier-Based Obturation: Effect of Sonication Technique on Sealer Penetration in Dentinal Tubules: A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope Study

(1) Background: In endodontics, anatomical complexities and irregularities in the root canal system may interfere with sealer penetration, increasing the risk of treatment failure. This work aimed to investigate the effects of sonicated Thermafil (Dentsply, Tulsa Dental Specialties, Johnson City, TN, USA) on sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules. (2) Methods: Thirty teeth with single round-shaped root canals were used to compare Sonicated Thermafil with sonication (ST—10 teeth), System B (EIE Analytical Technology, Orange, CE, USA) (SB—10 teeth), and Thermafil without sonication (T—10 teeth). A confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) was used to determine the depth, area, and percentage of sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules. (3) Results: ST showed the deepest average penetration at 6 mm from the apex compared to SB (p &lt; 0.01) and T (p &lt; 0.01) and at 3 mm compared to SB (p &lt; 0.01). In addition, it had the highest penetration values at both levels compared to SB (p &lt; 0.01) and T (p &lt; 0.05) and a higher penetration area at 6 mm compared to T (p &lt; 0.05) and SB (p &lt; 0.05). (4) Conclusion: Sonic activation can improve the carrier-based obturation technique thanks to deeper sealer penetration and thus better retention of materials.

Lack of Correlation Between the Penetration of Two Types of Sealers and Interfacial Adaptation to Root Dentine.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the correlation between sealer penetration into dentinal tubules and interfacial adaptation to root canal walls using a hydraulic calcium silicate-based sealer, Endosequence Bioceramic Sealer (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA, USA), and an epoxy resin-based sealer, AH Plus (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany).MethodsSixty-four maxillary central incisors were endodontically prepared with nickel-titanium rotary instruments and randomly assigned into two groups (n=32). Roots were filled with gutta-percha using a single-cone technique in conjunction with one of the two sealers, AHP or BCS. Sealers were mixed with Rhodamine B and analysed under a confocal laser scanning microscope. Transverse sections at 5 mm from root apex were obtained. The circumference of the root canal wall was first outlined and measured to determine the circumferential percentage of sealer penetration. The regions along the canal walls where the sealer had penetrated the dentinal tubules were delineated and measured. Then, the outlined distances were divided by the canal circumference. The width of each gap was measured and pooled for each specimen for comparison to determine the interfacial adaptation. The measurements were repeated twice to ensure reproducibility. Mann-Whitney tests were performed to compare continuous variables between AHP and BCS groups. The correlation between gap width and percentage of sealer penetration was investigated using the Spearman correlation coefficient.ResultsNo significant difference was observed between groups regarding the percentage of sealer penetration (P>0.05) and the gap width (P>0.05). Also, there was no significant correlation between the two variables analysed for AHP (r=0.165; P>0.05) and BCS (r=-0.147; P>0.05) and in the overall sample (r=0.061; P>0.05).ConclusionThe present results show no correlation between interfacial adaptation and sealer penetration in dentinal tubules in the total sample and among sealer subgroups. The ability of root canal sealers to penetrate dentinal tubules cannot be considered a sign of better interfacial adaptation.

Evaluation of the root filling quality with experimental carrier-based obturators: a CLSM and FEG-SEM analysis.

This study evaluated tubule penetration of GuttaFlow Bioseal with cold single cone or carrier-based technique, under confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Twenty straight single-rooted teeth were instrumented with Hyflex CM and divided in two groups (n = 10) according to the obturation method: single cold gutta-percha cones; experimental carrier-based obturators. GuttaFlow Bioseal, labelled with Rhodamine B dye, was used as sealer in both groups. Teeth transversally sectioned were observed under CLSM. Percentage of sealer penetration and integrity of sealer layer perimeter were measured. Surface and microstructural characteristics of obturators and gutta-percha cones were compared by FEG-SEM and EDX analysis. No significant differences were found between groups for each examined parameter. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were reported mainly within groups. Integrity was similar among and within groups. FEG-SEM/EDX analysis of obturators revealed the presence of Ba and Zn. Carrier-based obturation technique associated with GuttaFlow Bioseal does not seem to affect sealer penetration into dentinal tubules.

Effect of Different Irrigation Activation Techniques on Sealer Penetration: A Confocal Laser Microscopy Study.

To compare the efficiency of a new sonic powered irrigation system named EDDY (VDW, Munich, Germany), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and conventional needle irrigation (CNI) in root canal sealer penetration. A total of 45 mandibular premolars were instrumented up to size 30, 0.9 taper and randomly divided into three groups (n = 15) depending on the final irrigation activation technique: EDDY, PUI or CNI. After the final irrigation procedures, the root canals were obturated with labelled sealer mixed with 0.1% rhodamine B. Transverse sections at 3, 5 and 7 mm from the root apex were examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The maximum depth and total area and percentage of sealer penetration were measured using ImageJ analysis software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). In the EDDY group, the penetration depth was higher compared to the CNI group in the apical and middle sections and compared to the PUI group in the apical section (P ˂ 0.05). The penetration area in the EDDY group was higher compared to the CNI group in all sections and compared to the PUI group in the coronal section (P ˂ 0.05). The percentage of penetration was higher in the EDDY group compared to the CNI group in all sections and compared to the PUI group in the coronal section (P ˂ 0.05). In the present study, sealer penetration was superior in the EDDY group than the CNI group in the apical section. In the middle and coronal sections, sealer penetration was similar for the EDDY and PUI groups.

Comparing dentinal tubule penetration of conventional and ‘HiFlow’ bioceramic sealers with resin‐based sealer: An in vitro study

This study compared the depth and percentage of dentinal tubule penetration for single-cone (SC) and warm vertical (WV) obturation techniques with two different bioceramic sealers (BC Sealer [BCS], BC Sealer HiFlow [BCSHF]) and an epoxy resin-based sealer (2Seal easymiX). Fifty canals were filled with BCS, BCSHF or resin-based sealer (RBS). Teeth in BCS and BCSHF groups were filled with SC or WV techniques, and teeth in the control group (RBS) filled with WV technique only. The roots were sectioned at 3mm and 6mm levels from the apex and evaluated with a confocal laser microscope. There was significantly greater depth and percentage of sealer penetration at the 6mm section compared to 3mm (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in sealer type or obturation technique at the examined levels (P>0.05). In conclusion, dentinal tubule penetration was similar comparing BC Sealer, BC Sealer HiFlow and RBS using SC and WV techniques.

Influence of passive ultrasonic tip activation at different levels on the depth of sealer penetration: An in vitro study

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the effect between different levels of ultrasonic tip activation on the depth of epoxy resin-based sealer (AH plus) dentinal tubules penetration. Materials and Methods: Extracted single-rooted premolars (n = 60) were randomly allocated into three groups and instrumented following the same protocol. Group 1 (control), the sealer was mixed with 0.1% Rhodamine B dye and placed using size 20 K-file. In Group 2, the sealer was passively activated using ultrasonic tip (ISO 25) 10 s mesiodistally and buccolingually at 2 mm from the apex. In Group 3, the sealer was activated in a similar manner at 4 mm from the apex. Samples were sectioned horizontally at 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm from the apex and analyzed using a stereomicroscope for tubular dentine sealer penetration. The cross-sectional area (μm2) was measured with software to get the percentage of sealer penetration, and presences of voids were recorded. Results: Significant lesser percentage of sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules was observed between the control group and both the experimental groups (P = 0.00) at 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm from the apex. There was no significant difference in the percentage of sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules between both the experimental groups (P > 0.05). The presence of voids between all groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Passive ultrasonic activation of sealer placement resulted in deeper sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules even at a higher level of tip activation (4 mm).

Effect of final irrigant on depth of tubular penetration of resin-based root canal sealer and bioactive sealers using confocal laser scanning microscope

Background: Deep dentin tubular penetration of the sealer provides a three dimensional sealing of root canal space Aim: To evaluate the effect of final irrigant on depth of tubular penetration of resin based root canal sealer and bioactive sealers using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) Materials and Method: Ninety- six freshly extracted human mandibular first premolar teeth were decoronated at 15 mm from the apex. Cleaning and shaping procedure was accomplished using Hyflex CM rotary files till F3. The sample were divided into three groups(n=32) according to final irrgant used : Group A (17 % EDTA), Group B (QMix 2 in 1), Group C (Distilled water). The final irrigation in each respective group was performed with EndoVac system. The samples were further subdivided into 4 subgroups (n=8) according to the type of sealer used for obturation with 6% guttapercha cones - Subgroup I (AH Plus), Subgroup II (Gutta Flow Bioseal), Subgroup III ( Endosequence BC ), Subgroup IV (EndoSeal MTA). Two mm horizontal sections were obtained at 2 mm (apical sections), 5 mm (middle sections) and 7 mm (coronal sections) from the root apex using CLSM to evaluate the maximum depth and percentage of sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules by using Kruskal-Wallis test for overall analysis and a series of Mann-Whitney U tests for pairwise comparison. Result: Endosequence BC showed maximum depth of penetration and penetrated percentage perimeter, while Gutta Flow Bioseal showed least values. Q Mix 2 in 1 showed better penetration values than EDTA and distilled water. Conclusion: Irrigants, nature of sealer and level of root canal affected sealer penetratio.

Effect of laser-activated irrigation on smear layer removal and sealer penetration: An in vitro study.

Introduction:The present study was carried out with the objective of evaluation of efficacy of two root canal irrigants (LARGAL ULTRA and Biopure mixture of tetracycline, acid, and detergent [MTAD]) in smear layer removal and sealer penetration along the canal walls and to apprise any change in their efficacy when they were activated with two different types of lasers (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet [Nd:YAG] and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet [Er:YAG]). The analysis was done with the help of confocal laser scanning microscope.Materials and Methods:The curved root canals (>20°) from 140 extracted human molars (negative control, n = 20) were prepared to size #25.06 with NaOCl irrigation. Teeth were divided into two experimental groups with sample size 60 each (Group I, II). Groups further divided into subgroups IA, IB, and IC and IIA, IIB, and IIC with sample size twenty each. Group IA, Largal Ultra irrigation without LAI; Group IB, Largal Ultra irrigation with Nd:YAG; Group IC, Largal ultra with Er:YAG; Group IIA, MTAD irrigation without LAI; Group IIB, MTAD irrigation with Nd:YAG; Group IIC, MTAD irrigation with Er:YAG. Teeth were obturated with gutta-percha and fluorescent dye labeled sealer. Transverse sections at 3 mm from root apex were examined with confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the percentage of sealer penetration into dentinal tubules was measured.Statistical Analysis:Analysis of variance calculated (e.g., one-way between-subjects ANOVA) and Tukey's test was performed for each mean comparison.Results:Difference between control and Group IIc (65.48 ± 0.57) was highest, followed by control and Group Ic (54.92 ± 0.57) and minimum between Group Ib and Group IIa (0.23 ± 0.57). Order of percent diffusion in the present study was: Group IIc > Group Ic > Group IIb > Group Ib ≈ Group IIa > Group Ia > Control (P <.001).Conclusions:It was inferred that, among the two irrigating solutions tested, Biopure MTAD is more proficient than Largal Ultra. Laser activation of final irrigating solution has been shown to allow better sealer penetration, with Er:YAG laser being more potent than Nd:YAG laser.

Depth and percentage of resin-based sealer penetration inside the dentinal tubules using EndoVac, EndoActivator, Navi tip FX irrigation system: A confocal laser scanning microscope study.

Aim:This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the effect of EndoVac, EndoActivator, and Navy Tip FX irrigation system on lateral depth and percentage of sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules using confocal laser scanning microscope.Materials and Methods:Forty recently extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were taken and root canal treatment was performed using three different irrigation system, that is, EndoVac, EndoActivator, and Navi tip FX. The samples were divided into 4 groups according to the irrigation system used: Control or conventional needle (Group I), Navi Tip FX (Group II), EndoActivator (Group III), and EndoVac (Group IV). All teeth were obturated using AH Plus sealer labeled with fluorescent rhodamine B dye. The teeth were sectioned at coronal (5 mm), middle (3 mm), and apical 3rd (1 mm) from the apex. Total percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration were measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The data were evaluated statistically using Kruskal–Wallis test with a 95% confidence level (P = 0.01).Results:EndoVac resulted in more sealer penetration then EndoActivator and Navi Tip FX irrigation system. Endoactivator resulted in more sealer penetration in comparison to Navi Tip FX.Conclusion:Percentage and depth of sealer penetration were more at apical and middle 3rd with Endovac system followed by Endoactivator and Navi tip FX system.

Effect of chitosan on sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules.

The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of final irrigation with chitosan, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and citric acid (CA) on a resin-based sealer (AH plus sealer [Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany]) penetration into dentinal tubules using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Seventy recently extracted human mandibular premolars were instrumented and irrigated with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), then divided into four groups according to the final irrigation regimen used: (1) the EDTA group: 17% EDTA + 2.5% NaOCl, (2) the CA group: 10% CA + 2.5% NaOCl, (3) the chitosan group: 0.2% chitosan + 2.5% NaOCl, and (4) the control group: 2.5% NaOCl. All teeth were obturated using the cold lateral condensation technique with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer labeled with fluorescent dye. The apical 2 mm of specimen was discarded, and slices were obtained for apical, middle, and coronal thirds of the root with 1 mm intervals. Maximum, mean, and percentage of sealer penetration (SP) inside tubules were measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The percentage of SP was significantly higher in chitosan, EDTA, and CA group than control group for coronal thirds (P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference among all groups for middle and apical thirds. Chitosan and EDTA showed increased mean values of SP depth for middle thirds (P < 0.05). In all sections, the maximum depth of SP was significantly lower in EDTA group than other groups (P < 0.05). Chitosan, EDTA, and CA significantly improved the percentage of SP for coronal thirds.

Influence of the Calcium Hydroxide Intracanal Dressing on Dentinal Tubule Penetration of Two Root Canal Sealers.

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a calcium hydroxide (CH) dressing on the tubular penetration of two endodontic sealers, AH Plus (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil).Methods:Seventy-two mandibular premolars with a single root canal were prepared with ProFile.04 rotary instruments (Dentsply Maillefer) and divided into four groups. In two groups, an intracanal CH dressing was placed for 15 days. The obturations were performed with lateral condensation of gutta-percha in combination with one of the tested sealers. The roots were transversely sectioned at the apical and middle levels. The percentage of sealer penetration in the root canal walls and the percentage of impregnated dentin area in the transverse sections were obtained using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Games-Howell test.Results:The CH dressing reduced the mean value of tubular penetration in the middle third of teeth obturated with AH Plus (P<0.01), whereas no difference was observed at the apical sections for both sealers.Conclusion:The CH dressing did not interfere with the apical penetration of both tested sealers, however, decreased the tubular penetration in the middle third of the AH Plus root canal fillings. Overall, MTA Fillapex presented higher tubular penetration than AH Plus obturations.

Comparison of Three Different Sealer Placement Techniques: An In vitro Confocal Laser Microscopic Study.

Introduction:Three-dimensional obturation of the root canal system is the final objective of root canal therapy. Greater penetration of sealer in root dentine lesser will be the voids at the dentine–sealer interface. Hence, analysis of the dentin/sealer interface allows the determination of a filling technique which could obturate the root canals with least gaps and voids. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the depth and percentage of sealer penetration into root dentin using three different root canal sealer placement techniques under confocal laser scanning microscope.Materials and Methods:Thirty single-rooted teeth were selected and prepared. Adseal sealer (Meta Biomed, South Korea) was mixed with Rhodamine B dye and applied using lentulo spiral (Dentsply Maillefer, USA) as Group 1, bidirectional spiral (EZ-Fill– EDS, USA) as Group 2, and ultrasonic endodontic tip (Sonofile– Dentsply Tulsa, USA) as Group 3. Canals were then obturated with gutta-percha. The roots were sectioned at the 3 and 6-mm levels from the apical foramen and examined under confocal laser microscope.Results:Maximum mean depth and percentage of sealer penetration were observed for Group 1 and minimum for Group 3. Furthermore, statistical significant differences among Group 1 and Group 3 were found at 6-mm level and among Group 2 and Group 3 were found at 3-mm level (P < 0.05).Conclusion:The depth and percentage of sealer penetration of sealer are influenced by the type of placement technique and by the root canal level, with penetration decreasing apically. Lentulo spiral has shown better penetration of sealer than the bidirectional file and ultrasonics.

Double dye technique and fluid filtration test to evaluate early sealing ability of an endodontic sealer.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the possible correlation between sealer penetration into dentinal tubules and sealing ability both in presence and absence of smear layer. Fourteen maxillary central incisors were treated with 5.25% NaOCl +10% EDTA to remove the smear layer (SL-free group) or 5.25% NaOCl without EDTA (SL group). Root canals were filled using #25 Thermafil Obturators with Topseal sealer labelled with 0.1wt% rhodamine B. Sealing ability was measured as fluid filtration rate with a fluid-flow meter using water supplemented with 0.3% calcein fluorescent dye. Specimens were sectioned, observed under confocal microscope to co-localize the presence of sealer (rhodamine B labelling) into dentinal tubules and gaps (calcein labelling) into the root canal. The depth of sealer penetration into dentinal tubules and the percentage of sealer penetration around the root canal were measured at 3, 5 and 8mm from the apex. No significant differences between groups were observed in fluid filtration rate nor in depth of calcein penetration. Sealer penetration depth and percentage into dentinal tubules were not significantly different between groups, except at 8-mm level in absence of smear layer. Sealer penetration at 3- and 5-mm levels was not influenced by smear layer while it was significantly reduced at 8-mm level. Fluid filtration rate was not correlated either with depth of calcein penetration nor with sealer penetration into dentinal tubules. The sealing ability of Topseal sealer is not affected by presence or absence of smear layer.

Dentinal Tubule Penetration of Tricalcium Silicate Sealers

IntroductionThe treatments for which mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based materials can be used in dentistry are expanding. Smaller particle size and easier handling properties have allowed the advent of tricalcium silicate sealers including EndoSequence BC Sealer (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA), QuickSet2 (Avalon Biomed, Bradenton, FL), NeoMTA Plus (Avalon Biomed), and MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil). The objective of this study was to measure the tubule penetration with these sealers using continuous wave (CW) and single-cone (SC) obturation techniques. MethodsEighty single-rooted teeth were randomly divided into 8 groups of 10 and obturated with 1 of the previously mentioned sealers mixed with trace amounts of rhodamine using either the CW or SC technique. Teeth were sectioned at 1 mm and 5 mm from the apex and examined under a confocal laser microscope. The percentage of sealer penetration and the maximum sealer penetration were measured. ResultsThe tricalcium silicate sealers penetrated tubules as deep as 2000 μm (2 mm). The percentage of sealer penetration was much higher 5 mm from the apex, with many specimens having 100% penetration for both SC and warm vertical techniques. MTA Fillapex, a resin-based sealer with less than 20% MTA particles, had significantly greater tubule penetration with a warm vertical technique versus the SC technique at the 1-mm level. ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, the CW and SC techniques produced similar tubule penetration at both the 1-mm and the 5-mm level with the tricalcium silicate sealers BC Sealer, QuickSet2, and NeoMTA Plus.

Effect of QMix 2in1 on Sealer Penetration into the Dentinal Tubules

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of final irrigation with a new endodontic irrigant, QMix 2in1 (Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK), on sealer penetration into dentinal tubules using confocal laser scanning microscopy. MethodsThirty recently extracted human maxillary incisors were used in the present study. The teeth were instrumented with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigation and then divided into 3 groups according to the final irrigation regimen used: (1) control group, 2.5% NaOCl; (2) EDTA + CHX group, 17% (EDTA) followed by 2% chlorhexidine (CHX); and (3) QMix group, QMix 2in1. All teeth were dried and then obturated with gutta-percha and rhodamine B–labeled AH26 sealer (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany). After setting, the roots were sectioned horizontally 3, 5, and 8 mm from the root apex. Sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules was examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. ResultsIn the apical sections of the roots, no significant difference was detected in the percentage of sealer penetration between any of the final irrigation groups (P > .05). Both the EDTA + CHX and QMix groups showed significantly more sealer penetration than the control group in the middle and coronal sections. However, no difference was found between the EDTA + CHX and QMix groups in either of these areas (P > .05) ConclusionsUse of EDTA + CHX or QMix during final irrigation significantly improved sealer penetration when compared with the control group in the middle and coronal sections of the roots; however, no effect was observed in the apical sections.

Comparison of Vibringe, EndoActivator, and Needle Irrigation on Sealer Penetration in Extracted Human Teeth

IntroductionVibringe is a new device that allows continuous sonic irrigation of the canal system during endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different irrigation systems on sealer penetration into dentinal tubules of extracted single-rooted teeth. MethodsFifty single-rooted human teeth were instrumented and randomly divided into 4 groups: group 1 (control), saline; group 2 (conventional irrigation), 17% EDTA followed by 6% NaOCl; group 3 (EndoActivator), same irrigants as group 2; group 4 (Vibringe), same irrigants as group 2. Obturation of all teeth was done with gutta-percha and SimpliSeal labeled with fluorescent dye. Transverse sections at 1 mm and 5 mm from the root apex were examined by using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration were measured by using NIS-Elements Br 3.0 imaging software. ResultsGroups 3 and 4 had a significantly greater percentage of the canal wall penetrated by sealer at the 5-mm level than group 1 (P < .0125), but not group 2. No other differences were found between the groups at either section level for both the percentage of sealer penetration and maximum depth. The 5-mm sections in each experimental group had a significantly higher percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration than did the 1-mm sections (P < .0125). ConclusionsThe use of sonic activation with either the EndoActivator or Vibringe did not significantly improve the sealer penetration when compared with conventional irrigation.

Lack of correlation between sealer penetration into dentinal tubules and sealability in nonbonded root fillings

To determine the correlation between leakage and sealer penetration into dentinal tubule. The root canal of 60 mandibular central incisor teeth were prepared and filled under standardized conditions. Teeth were placed into a device to assess glucose penetration using 15 psi pressure application. After 1 h, glucose concentrations in the lower chamber were measured using an enzymatic reaction. Each specimen was then sectioned horizontally at 3, 6 and 8 mm from the apex, and a standard metallographic preparation was performed. The coronally facing surface of each slice was examined in a high-resolution stereomicroscope and under Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope. For each slice, the external outline of the root canal, the internal circumference of the root canal walls and the areas along the canal walls where the sealer had penetrated into the dentinal tubules (sealer tags) were outlined and measured. Afterwards, the percentage of the sealer penetration in each section was calculated. The Spearman correlation test was used to verify the correlation between the variables studied (glucose leakage and sealer penetration into dentinal tubules). The means and standard deviations of glucose leakage were 0.744 g L(-1) (±0.5), and the percentage of the dentinal tubule sealer penetration varied between teeth from 5.6% to 42.21%, with an average of 13.7 ± 17.2%. The Spearman correlation test revealed no significant correlation between the two factors analysed (P = 0.082). The r(2) value was equal to 0.12. There was no significant correlation between sealability sealer penetration into dentinal tubules. The lack of correlation reported is of relevance as sealer penetration into dentinal tubules has been used as an advantageous property during the launch of new root filling materials and techniques.