Evaluation of the dentinal tubule penetration of an endodontic bioceramic sealer after three final irrigation protocols

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the dentinal tubule penetration of an endodontic bioceramic sealer, Sealer Plus BC, after three final irrigation protocols. Methods: Thirty distobuccal roots of maxillary molars were selected. Root canal preparation was performed up to an #40.06 instrument (X1 Blue) under 2.5% sodium hypochlorite irrigation. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n=10), according to the final irrigation protocol: G-NaOCl (2.5% sodium hypochlorite + PUI), G-SS (0.9% saline solution + PUI) and G-H20 (Deionized water + PUI). After final irrigation protocols, all specimens were irrigated with phosphate buffer solution. Root canal obturation was performed using the single cone technique and Sealer Plus BC, stained with a specific fluorophore. Specimens were transversely sectioned and each root third was evaluated in a confocal scanning laser microscopy. Images obtained were analyzed for sealer penetration in the dentinal tubules. Results: Dentinal tubule penetration of Sealer Plus BC was not observed in any root third, regardless of the final irrigation protocol investigated. Conclusions: Sealer Plus BC dentinal tubule penetration was not observed after none of the protocols tested. Dentinal tubule penetrability of Sealer Plus BC may be related to other factors rather than the final irrigation protocol.

Effect of Irrigating Agitation after Root End Preparation on the Wall Cleaning and Bond Strength of Calcium Silicate Material in Retrograde Obturation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the cleaning efficacy of irrigant activation with a new ultrasonic tip in root-end preparations and to determine its influence on the bond strength of calcium silicate-based material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maxillary canines were prepared and filled, and their root ends resected. Root-end cavities were ultrasonically prepared and randomly distributed into four groups according to the final irrigation protocols: G1 (ultrasonic irrigation [UI] + saline solution [SS]), G2 (syringe irrigation [SI] + SS), G3 (UI + ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA]), and G4 (SI + EDTA). Cleaning efficacy analysis employed 72 specimens (n = 18) split longitudinally for imaging of the same areas by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The percentage of dentinal tubules opened before and after irrigation was used as evaluation parameter. Push-out testing employed 40 specimens (n = 10) sectioned apical region perpendicularly, which slice was placed on a testing machine for the bond strength measurement and failure mode was assessed by SEM. The data were statistically analyzed (α ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: G3 (UI + EDTA) removed the smear layer more effectively, showed the best tubule opening (p < 0.05), and presented the highest mean bond strength values (p < 0.05). Failure modes were predominantly adhesive, except for the G3 (UI + EDTA) group, in which they were mainly mixed (80%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that EDTA 17% agitation promoted better cleaning and smear layer removal, improving the push-out bond strength of calcium silicate material in retrograde obturation.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of a New Root Canal Sealer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate some of the physicochemical properties of a new root canal sealer. METHODS: The sealers tested were Sealer Plus compared with AH Plus. For the radiopacity, flow, solubility, and fabrication of test specimens relative to setting times, the American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association No. 57 (2000) and International Organization for Standardization 6876 (2012) specifications were followed. To measure the initial and final setting times, the ASTM C266/2008 standard was used. pH was evaluated in the time intervals of 3, 24, 72, and 168 hours. Statistical tests were applied to the results obtained at a level of significance of 5%. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the Sealer Plus sealer showed a lower radiopacity value than AH Plus sealer (P < .05); however, this was higher than the minimum value recommended by the specifications (ie, 3 mm Al). Relative to flow, the value for Sealer Plus was 19.19 mm and for AH Plus, 19.81 mm (P > .05). Sealer Plus presented initial and final setting times of 138 minutes and 210 minutes, respectively, whereas the values for AH Plus were 437 minutes and 849 minutes, respectively (P < .05). Relative to solubility, Sealer Plus presented 0.21% and AH Plus, 0.27% (P > .05). None of the sealers showed a significant increase in pH (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Sealer Plus sealer presented physicochemical properties in accordance with American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association (2000) No. 57 and International Organization for Standardization 6876 (2012) specifications.