Assessment of the impact of XP-Endo Finisher file on push-out bond strength of various endodontic sealers.

Background: An endodontic treatment is considered a success after thorough chemomechanical debridement coupled with obturating root canals in a concrete way thereby providing hermetic seal. Gutta-percha being nonadherent necessitates use of a sealer to achieve hermetic seal. Adequate adhesion of root canal sealer with gutta-percha core and radicular dentin ensures lack of apical leakage. Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted mandibular premolars with single root canal decoronated at cementoenamel junction were selected and randomly allocated to two groups (n = 30). Samples in Group 1 were prepared with BT Race file, while Group 2 samples were prepared with BT Race alongwith XP Endo file. Absorbent paper points were used for canal drying and samples were randomly divided into six subgroups. In Subgroup I, obturation was done with bio-ceramic (BC) sealer (Endosequence BC) and BC gutta-percha. In Subgroup II, resin-based (AH plus) sealer and gutta-percha were used. In Subgroup III, calcium hydroxide-based (Sealapex) sealer and gutta-percha were used. Sectioning of root samples was done perpendicularly into coronal, middle, and apical segments of 3 mm each. A universal testing machine was used for sample testing, in which push-out bond strength corresponded to the highest value obtained. Stereomicroscopic (×20) study of the samples determined the failure mode at dentin/sealer/main cone interface. Statistical Analysis: Analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey's tests were used for data analysis. Results: Endosequence BC with XP-Endo files showed the highest mean push-out bond strength (16.31 MPa), whereas Sealapex without XP-Endo file had the lowest values (12.76 MPa). Mixed failure of adhesive and cohesive mode was observed for most samples. Conclusion: Adjunctive irrigation agitation technique utilizing XP-Endo Finisher facilitates biofilm eradication from difficult niches in root canals, thereby improving adhesion of sealer and subsequently the sealer bond strength.

Comparative Evaluation of the Sealing Ability of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA)-Based, Resin-Based, and Zinc Oxide Eugenol Root Canal Sealers: An In Vitro Study.

Root canal therapy is a crucial procedure in endodontics that is done to achieve complete obliteration of the root canal space. The success of this therapy depends on achieving a proper seal, which is facilitated using root canal sealers. This study aimed to compare the apical sealing ability of three different root canal sealers: MTA Fillapex, AH Plus, and zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE), using the dye penetration method. Forty freshly extracted single-rooted human maxillary incisors were collected and prepared for the study. The root canals were instrumented using the ProTaper system, and the canals were then obturated using the lateral condensation technique with the respective sealers. After one week of storage, the samples were coated with nail varnish, immersed in a rhodamine B dye solution, and then sectioned longitudinally. The depth of dye penetration was measured, and the results were analyzed statistically. The results revealed significant differences in apical leakage among the three experimental groups. Group 2 (AH Plus) showed the minimum leakage with a mean of 0.13 mm, while Group 4 (no sealer) exhibited the maximum leakage with a mean of 4.49 mm. Group 3 (ZOE) showed an intermediate level of leakage with a mean of 2.37 mm. The statistical analysis confirmed the significant difference in mean leakage among the groups. The findings of this study indicate that AH Plus exhibited superior apical sealing ability compared to MTA Fillapex and ZOE. AH Plus is a resin-based sealer known for its dimensional stability. On the other hand, MTA Fillapex, a newly introduced sealer containing mineral trioxide aggregate, resin, and silica, showed promising sealing properties but had slightly higher leakage compared to AH Plus. ZOE, a traditional sealer, demonstrated relatively higher leakage than the other sealers. In conclusion, choosing a root canal sealer is crucial in achieving a successful endodontic treatment outcome. AH Plus demonstrated superior apical sealing ability among the three sealers tested. Further research and long-term clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and assess the impact of sealer choice on treatment outcomes and post-endodontic healing.

Comparative evaluation of the apical leakage of different bioceramic retrofilling materials with and without smear layer: A stereomicroscopic study.

Objective: Present in-vitro study aimed to evaluate the apical leakage of different bioceramic retrofilling materials with and without smear layer. Materials and Methods: : Sixty human single-rooted teeth were decoronated at a standardized root length of 13 mm, chemo-mechanically prepared and obturated. After obturation, root-end resection was done and root-end cavities were prepared using ultrasonic tips. The specimens with prepared retro cavities were randomly assigned into 2 groups (n = 30) based on the smear layer removal protocol used. Each group was further subdivided into 3 subgroups (n = 10) based on the bioceramic retrofilling material MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate; Proroot Dentsply/Tulsa), CEM (Calcium-Enriched Mixture; Bionique Dent, Tehran) and ERRM (EndoSequence® Root Repair Material; Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA). The extension of dye (2% Rhodamine B) penetration was measured in millimetre using a stereomicroscope at 10× zoom. Results were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) test and unpaired Student's t test. Results: In the presence of smear layer, MTA demonstrated maximum mean apical leakage value (1.70 ± 0.30), followed by CEM (1.40 ± 0.37) and ERRM (1.40 ± 0.23), which was statistically not significant. Without the smear layer, ERRM demonstrated the least mean apical leakage value, which was statistically significant as compared with CEM (P <.05) and MTA (P <.01). Conclusion(s): : All bioceramic retrofilling materials demonstrated apical leakage irrespective of the presence or absence of the smear layer. The presence of a smear layer is beneficial for the sealing ability of MTA and CEM, whereas, the absence of the smear layer is advocated while using ERRM.

Apical microleakage in root canals with separated rotary instruments obturated with different endodontic sealers.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate apical microleakage in root canals containing broken rotary instruments obturated with cold lateral condensation and thermoplasticized injectable gutta-percha, with different sealers, using glucose penetration leakage study. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 96 extracted human mandibular premolars were decoronated, and the roots were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 12). Root canals were instrumented with #30 4% taper rotary files. The files were scratched 3 mm from the tip by a high-speed handpiece, and they were intentionally broken in the apical third of the canals. The middle and coronal sections of the canals were obturated by cold lateral condensation and thermoplasticized technique, using ZOE, resin, CaOH, and bioceramic sealers. Apical microleakage was measured using the glucose penetration method. Statistical Analysis: Independent Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: Bioceramic sealer group showed the least apical microleakage and this was then followed by the resin and CaOH groups demonstrating lesser apical microleakage and the highest microleakage was with the ZOE group. Mean apical microleakage scores between lateral and thermoplastic condensation techniques in each group were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Bioceramic sealer demonstrated the least apical leakage, whereas ZOE seal displayed the highest apical leakage.

Comparison of Sealing Ability of Bioceramic Sealer, AH Plus, and GuttaFlow in Conservatively Prepared Curved Root Canals Obturated with Single-Cone Technique: An In vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate obturation techniques of the root canal system have been found to be the most frequent reason of failure post root canal treatment. An ideal endodontic sealer should fulfill all ideal requisites. The present study aimed to compare apical sealing ability between bioceramic (BC) sealer, GuttaFlow, and AH Plus. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and twenty-five curved roots of maxillary and mandibular third molar teeth with fully formed apex were collected for this study. The root canals were cleaned and shaped using a standard single-cone preparation to file at the established working length and divided into five groups of 25 each. Dye leakage was carried out. Group A: with GP, using EndoSequence BC sealer with conventional with 4% gutta-percha (Brasseler USA, Savannah, Georgia, USA); Group B: with ceramic coated with 4% gutta-percha (Brasseler USA, Savannah, Georgia, USA); Group C: with GP, using AH Plus sealer (Dentsply, De-Trey Konstanz, Germany) with 4% gutta-percha; Group D: with GuttaFlow bioseal (Roeko-Coltène/Whaledent, Langenau, Germany) with 4% Gutta-percha; and Group E is a negative control group. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software and Student's unpaired t-test. RESULTS: The group AH Plus showed more leakage values than the GuttaFlow group and of two groups of BC sealer and negative control. Student's unpaired t-test disclosed no significant difference (P < 0.05) between the groups. CONCLUSION: None of the sealers used in the study could completely seal the apical foramen to have a fluid-tight seal.

An in-vitro comparative study for assessment of apical sealing ability of Epiphany/AH Plus sealer with Resilon/gutta-percha root canal filling materials.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Endodontic treatment is directed to eliminate microbial challenges from the root canal system and to create a complete seal. The aim of this study was to assess the apical sealing ability of resin-based Epiphany-Resilon root canal filling system and to compare it with the sealing abilities of different combinations of AH Plus, gutta-percha, Epiphany, and Resilon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred extracted human maxillary incisor roots were treated endodontically. The samples were divided into groups A, B, C, and D, with each group containing 25 samples. Group A: Canals obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer; Group B: Canals obturated with Resilon and Epiphany; Group C: Canals obturated with gutta-percha and Epiphany; Group D: Control group canals obturated with gutta-percha without a sealer. The sealing ability of each of the obturation techniques was tested using the dye penetration method followed by the clearing method using alcohol. Stereo microscope was used to measure the extent of dye penetration. Statistical data analysis was performed using analysis of variance and Tukey tests. RESULTS: Microleakage was found in all the four groups. Apical extent of mean microleakage was maximum for gutta-percha, followed by Gutta-percha + AH-plus and Gutta-percha + Epiphany, and the least with Resilon + Epiphany. Statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) was seen in the apical leakage. CONCLUSION: All the samples tested showed microleakage. The "Epiphany soft resin endodontic obturation system" showed a superior result compared to other obturation materials.

A comparison of apical sealing ability between GuttaFlow and AH plus: An in vitro study.

AIMS: The present study aimed to compare apical sealing ability between GuttaFlow and AH Plus. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Eighty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth with fully formed apex and straight root were collected for this study. The root canals were cleaned and shaped using a standard step back preparation to size 60# master apical file at the established working length and divided into four groups: Group 1, GuttaFlow sealer with gutta-percha; Group 2, AH Plus sealer with gutta-percha; Group 3, positive control group (Teeth were instrumented and left without obturation); Group 4, negative control group (Teeth were totally coated with nail varnish) Dye leakage was carried out. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software and Student's unpaired t-test. RESULTS: The GuttaFlow group had a mean leakage of 1.38 mm whereas AH Plus had a mean of 1.425 mm. The standard deviation of GuttaFlow and AH Plus were 0.3861 and 0.3226, respectively. Student's unpaired t-test disclosed no significant difference (P < 0.05) between the groups. CONCLUSION: None of the sealers used in the study could completely seal the apical foramen to have a fluid-tight seal. GuttaFlow and AH Plus showed no statistically significant difference in microleakage; the better result was shown by GuttaFlow.

Effect of timing of post space preparation on the apical seal when using different sealers and obturation techniques.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To prepare the post apace, some of the root-canal filling material has to be removed, which can affect the apical seal. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of immediate post space preparation to that of delayed post space preparation on apical sealing using three different endodontic sealers and obturation techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 90 decrowned single-rooted human teeth were studied. After root canals were prepared with 0.06 tapered nickel-titanium rotary files to size 30, the roots were categorized randomly into three experimental groups according to the obturation material: (1) AH plus/gutta-percha; (2) Sealite Ultra/gutta-percha; and (3) Epiphany/Resilon. Furthermore in all groups, specimens were categorized randomly into three subgroups according to the obturation technique (n = 10): (1) single cone; (2) cold lateral compaction; and (3) System B + Obtura. After root-canal filling, post space preparation was immediately performed in Group 1, after 24 hours in Group 2, and after 7 days in Group 3. Apical leakage was measured using the fluid-filtration method. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon signed ranks test at P < 0.001. RESULTS: Regardless of the obturation technique and sealers used, significantly better (P < 0.001) sealing was achieved at the apical ends using delayed post space preparation than with immediate post preparation. The obturation techniques tested did not significantly affect leakage values. The following statistical ranking of fluid filtration values was obtained for the obturation materials: Epiphany/Resilon > Sealite Ultra/gutta-percha > AH plus/gutta-percha (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: To reduce apical leakage, clinicians should use AH plus together with any of the obturation techniques after 7 days of obturation.

Microfiltración Apical de Dos Cementos Selladores: Un Estudio in vitro / Apical Microfiltration of Two Cement Sealers: An in vitro Study

Se ha propuesto que una de las causas de fracaso del tratamiento de canales es el paso de bacterias a través del foramen apical, las que por acción directa o por activación del sistema inmune generan una respuesta inflamatoria. El sellado apical con conos de gutapercha y cemento sellador es lo que impide el paso de estas bacterias, pero en presencia de humedad sufre de solubilidad y permite la filtración bacteriana. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la filtración bacteriana apical que se produce después de la obturación radicular con cementos Topseal® y Tubliseal®, para lo cual se realizó un estudio de tipo experimental en que se seleccionaron 26 dientes unirradiculares recientemente extraídos, que se instrumentaron con limas Protaper Universal® hasta F3, finalizando con un ajuste apical con lima K#45, siendo irrigados permanente y abundantemente con hipoclorito de sodio al 5%. Los dientes se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos que se obturaron por compactación lateral y cemento Topseal®, G1 (n=12), y cemento Tubliseal®, G2 (n=12). Las superficies externas se sellaron con esmalte para uñas, excepto los 2 mm apicales y se montaron en un dispositivo para filtración bacteriana de doble cámara, dejando sumergidos los ápices en un caldo agar bilis esculina con Enterococcus faecalis. Se incubaron a 37C por 10 semanas y se determinó la filtración bacteriana mediante la aparición de turbidez en el medio en la cámara con caldo estéril. Se determinaron los días transcurridos para verificar el crecimiento bacteriano y la cantidad de especímenes positivos, valores que se registraron y analizaron mediante la prueba estadística de X2. Las muestras obturadas con Topseal® presentaron mayor filtración bacteriana (66,64%) que las obturadas con Tubliseal® (58,31%), sin diferencias significativas (X2= 0,16), mostrando ambos altos niveles de filtración apical.

It has been proposed that one of the causes for endodontic failure is the passing of bacteria through the apical foramen, which produces an inflammatory response, either by direct action or by activating the immune system. The apical seal with gutta-percha points and sealant is what stops these bacteria from passing, but in the presence of humidity, this seal is subject to solubility and it allows bacterial leakage. The aim of this study was to compare the apical bacterial leakage that occurs after root filling using Topseal® and Tubliseal® sealers, for which an experimental study was conducted and 26 single-rooted freshly extracted teeth were selected, that were then instrumented with Protaper ® Universal until the F3 file, ending with an apical stop using a # 45 K-type file, under permanent and abundant irrigation with 5% sodium hypochlorite. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups that were filled by Lateral Condensation and Topseal®, G1 (n=12, and Tubliseal®, G2 (n=12) sealers. The external surface of the roots was covered with nail polish except the apical 2 mm and mounted in a dual chamber device for bacterial filtration, leaving the apexes immersed in bile esculin agar broth with Enterococcus faecalis obtained from clinical specimens. They were incubated at 37°C for 10 weeks and bacterial filtration was determined by the appearance of turbidity in the medium of the chamber with sterile broth. The elapsed days were measured to verify the presence of bacterial growth and the number of positive specimens, values that were recorded and analyzed using the X2 test statistic. The samples filled using Topseal® had higher bacterial filtration (66.64%) than the ones filled using Tubliseal® (58.31%), showing no significant difference ( X2=0.16), showing both high levels of apical filtration.

Lack of correlation between microbial penetration method and electro chemical technique for assessment of leakage through the root canal fillings.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to compare microbial penetration method and electrochemical technique for evaluation of the apical seal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 teeth were prepared using the step-back technique to ISO size 40 master apical files. The specimens were randomly divided into an experimental group, two positive and two negative controls. Root canals in the experimental and negative control group were filled with gutta-percha (GP) and sealer, using lateral condensation technique. In the positive control group, canals were filled with GP without any sealer. The external surface of each tooth was coated with two layers of the nail varnish, except for the access opening and the apical foramen. In the negative control group, the teeth were completely covered with nail varnish. The apical seal was recorded with two methods, each successively used on the same teeth: An electrochemical method and a bacterial penetration method. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The correlation of the electro chemical readings with the results obtained from bacterial micro leakage test was evaluated by Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Correlation coefficient of the measurements obtained from the two evaluation methods, was 0.23 (r = 0.23), so the correlation was not statistically significant (P = 0.275). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that several studies by different methods are necessary before evaluation of the marginal leakage.

Copper ion as a new leakage tracer.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Most failures of root canal treatments are caused by bacteria. Studies showed that the most common cause of endodontic failures were the incomplete obturation of the root canal and the lack of adequate apical seal. Some in-vitro methods are used to estimate sealing quality, generally by measuring microleakage that allows the tracer agent to penetrate the filled canal. PURPOSE: Conventional methods of evaluating the seal of endodontically treated teeth are complicated and have some drawbacks. We used copper ion diffusion method to assess the leakage and the results were compared to dye penetration method. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The crowns of 21 extracted teeth were cut off at the CEJ level. After preparing the canals, the teeth were placed in tubes containing saline. They were divided randomly into 15 experimental cases; 3 positive and 3 negative controls. Positive controls were filled by single cone without sealer while the experimental and the negative control groups were filled by lateral technique. The coronal portion of gutta was removed and 9mm was left. The external surface of each tooth was coated with nail polish. Two millimeters of apical portion was immersed into 9ml of distilled water and 0.3ml of CuSO4 solution was injected into the coronal portion. After 2 days, copper sulfate was measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The teeth were then immersed in 2% methylene blue for 24 hours, sectioned and the extent of dye penetration was measured by a stereomicroscope. RESULTS: The maximum and minimum recorded copper ion concentrations for the experimental group were 18.37 and 2.87ppm respectively. The maximum and minimum recorded dye penetrations for the experimental group were 8.5 and 3.5mm respectively. The statistical analysis, adopting paired samples test, showed poor correlation between average recorded results of two methods. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, there was no significant correlation between the dye penetration and the copper ion diffusion methods.

Nerve Injury from Overfilled Calcium Hydroxide Root Canal Filling Paste for Maxillary Lateral Incisor Endodontic Treatment

Infiltração marginal apical após obturação de canais retos e curvos pela técnica da condensação lateral e do cone único: influência do tipo de cimento obturador empregado / Marginal leakage after filling of straight and curved root canals by the lateral condensation and single cone technique: influence of the type of sealer applied

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar in vitro o selamento marginal apical obtido com a obturação dos canais radiculares retos e curvos pela técnica da condensação lateral e do cone único os cimentos endodônticos Sealapex® e Endofill®. Foram empregadas 90 raízes de dentes humanos recém-extraídos, retas e curvas. A instrumentação do canal radicular foi realizada utilizando a técnica da condensação lateral e do cone único, sob abundante irrigação com solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 2,5%. Em seguida as raízes foram obturadas. As raízes obtidas, retas e curvas, foram distribuídas em número de 10 para cada grupo experimental e em número de 5 para o grupo controle positivo e 5 para o grupo controle negativo. As raízes foram submetidas ao teste de infiltração de corante com azul de metileno 2% por 48 horas, utilizando bomba a vácuo. As raízes foram partidas ao meio, longitudinalmente, e a avaliação da infiltração marginal foi realizada do ápice para coroa. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste ANOVA e ao teste de Tukey. Os resultados mostraram que o Sealapex® apresentou menor infiltração, canais retos demonstraram melhores resultados que canais curvos e não houve diferença nos resultados entre as técnicas de obturação

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the apical sealability obtained with a root canal filling straight and curved by the lateral condensation and single cone technique with Sealapex® and Endofill® sealers. Ninety freshly extracted root teeth were used, straight and curved. The instrumentation of the root canal was accomplished using the technique of lateral condensation and single cone, with abundant irrigation with solutions of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. Then the roots were filled. The roots obtained, straight and curved, the roots were divided in groups of 10 specimens for each experimental group and 5 specimens for the positive control group and 5 for the negative control group. The roots were submitted to dye leakage with 2% methylene blue for 48 hours but using vacuum. The roots were cut longitudinally and the leakage was measured in a linear fashion from apex to crown. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test. The results showed that the Sealapex® had lower leakage, straight canals showed better results than curved canals and there was no difference in results between the filling techniques

Evaluation of apical leakage in root canals filled with different sealers / Avaliação do desempenho de diferentes cimentos obturadores no selamento apical de canais radiculares

Objective: To evaluate the apical leakage exhibited by root canals filled with gutta-percha points and three different endodontic sealers. Material and Methods: Thirty-five human molars were used and had their palatal (maxillary molars) and distal roots (mandibular molars) sectioned, standardized and instrumented with Mtwo rotary system. The roots were filled through active lateral condensation technique and divided into three groups (n=10), according to the endodontic sealer employed: G1- AH Plus, G2- Fill Canal, G3- MTA Fillapex. All groups were filled by gutta-percha points and endodontic sealer. Gutta-percha points were immersed into sodium hypochlorite for 24 h to achieve disinfection. After the filling procedure, the roots were immersed into Indian ink for posterior diaphanization and obtainment of the images through stereomicroscopy. By analyzing the images in Adobe Illustrator CS5 software, the level of apical leakage was determined. The data obtained were submitted to Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests, with level of significance set at 5%. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between G1 and G3. G2 did not show statistically significant differences. G1 exhibited the smallest apical leakage mean (12.85), followed by G2 (109.84) and G3 (101.15). Conclusions: Root canal obturation with gutta-percha points and AH plus sealer through lateral condensation technique provided lower apical leakage rates than the other endodontic sealers evaluated

Objetivo: Avaliar a infiltração apical apresentada em canais radiculares obturados com guta-percha e três diferentes cimentos obturadores. Material e Métodos: Foram utilizados 35 molares humanos, os quais tiveram suas raízes linguais (molares superiores) e distais (molares inferiores) seccionadas, padronizadas e instrumentadas com o sistema rotatório Mtwo. As raízes foram obturadas através da técnica de condensação lateral ativa e divididas em 3 grupos (n=10), de acordo com o cimento obturador utilizado: G1- AH Plus, G2- Fill Canal, G3- MTA Fillapex. Todos os grupos foram obturados com o conjunto guta-percha e cimento obturador, sendo que a guta-percha utilizada permaneceu 24 h imersa em hipoclorito de sódio, para sua desinfecção. Após a obturação, as raízes foram imersas em corante tinta da Índia, para posterior diafanização e obtenção de imagens através de estereomicroscópio. Através da análise das imagens no programa Adobe Illustrator CS5 foi determinado o nível de infiltração apical. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos aos testes estatísticos de Kruskal Wallis e Dunn, com nível de significância 5%. Resultados: Verificou-se presença de diferença estatística significante entre o G1 e G3, sendo que G2 não diferiu estatisticamente dos demais grupos. O G1 apresentou a menor média de infiltração apical (12.85), seguida pelo G2 (109.84) e G3 (101.15). Conclusões: A obturação de canais radiculares com cones de guta-percha e cimento AH plus através da técnica de condensação lateral proporciona baixos índices de infiltração apical, quando comparada aos demais cimentos obturadores avaliados

An in vitro assessment of apical microleakage in root canals obturated with gutta-flow, resilon, thermafil and lateral condensation: A stereomicroscopic study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the apical microleakage of Resilon to Thermafil, Gutta-flow and Cold lateral condensation using a dye penetration method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted human maxillary single rooted teeth with intact roots were selected. Decoronation was followed by canal preparation upto ISO size 50. Teeth were then randomly divided into four groups for obturation. Group I - Cold lateral condensation with AH Plus, Group II - Gutta-flow with master cone, Group III- Thermafil with AH Plus, Group IV- Resilon with Self-etch epiphany. Apical microleakage was assessed by dye penetration test under stereomicroscope. RESULT: The result was analyzed statistically and showed that Resilon provides a best seal. Gutta-flow exhibited maximum microleakage. All the four groups at some level or the other exhibited some percentage of microleakage. CONCLUSIONS: None of the methods showed a fluid-tight seal.

Comparative evaluation of the apical sealing ability and adaptation to dentine of three resin-based sealers: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the apical sealing ability and adaptation of three resin-based sealers to the dentine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 66 recently extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were subjected for the study. The teeth were prepared and obturated with gutta-percha by a lateral condensation using AH Plus, Endorez and Epiphany sealers. Fifteen teeth from each group were used for the apical leakage test and the remaining five teeth from each group were used for examination under the scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Student Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS: Epiphany sealer showed better sealing ability and adaptation to dentine. CONCLUSION: The Epiphany sealer has a better apical sealing ability and adaptation to dentine than the AH Plus and Endorez sealers.

Nd:YAG laser irradiation effect on apical intracanal dentin - a microleakage and SEM evaluation

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation on intracanal dentin surface by SEM analysis and its interference in the apical seal of filled canals. After endodontic treatment procedures, 34 maxillary human incisors were randomly assigned to 2 groups. In the negative control group (n=17), no additional treatment was performed and teeth were filled with vertically condensed gutta-percha; in the laser-treated group (n=17), the root canals were irradiated with Nd:YAG laser (1.5 W, 100 mJ, 15 Hz) before filling as described for the control group. Two specimens of each group were prepared for SEM analysis to evaluate the presence and extent of morphological changes and removal of debris; the other specimens were immersed in 0.5 percent methylene blue dye (pH 7.2) for 24 h for evaluation of the linear dye leakage at the apical third. SEM analysis of the laser-treated group showed dentin fusion and resolidification without smear layer or debris. The Student’s t-test showed that the laser-treated group had significantly less leakage in apical third than the control group. Within the limitations of this study, it may be concluded that the morphological changes on the apical intraradicular dentin surface caused by Nd:YAG laser resulted in less linear dye apical leakage.

Influência do alargamento do canal sobre o selamento apical da obturação dos canais radiculares / Influence of root canal enlargement on the apical seal of root-filled teeth

Avaliou-se a relação do alargamento do canal com a qualidadedo selamento da obturação. No grupo I (n=17) os canaisforam preparados utilizando-se a regra do 1+4, ou seja, um instrumentoinicial que se ajustava no comprimento de trabalho emais quatro em ordem crescente de calibre. No Grupo II (n=17)a instrumentação foi feita da mesma forma que no grupo I, seguidado uso das brocas Gates-Glidden # 2, 3 e 4 nos terços cervicale médio e do escalonamento ápice-coroa com três limassubsequentes à última usada no comprimento de trabalho. Osdois grupos foram obturados pela técnica da condensação lateral,com cimento à base de óxido de zinco e eugenol, e colocadosem azul de metileno durante 72 horas, após o que se avaliou aqualidade do selamento através da infiltração linear do coranteno sentido ápice-coroa. A análise estatística dos resultados mostrouque não houve diferença na infiltração entre os grupos. Aconclusão a que se pode chegar é que o alargamento do canalnão melhora o selamento apical da obturação.

It was evaluated the relationship between root canal enlargementand root canal seal. In group I (n=17) canals were preparedwith the binded initial instrument and four more with increasedsize caliber. In group II (n=17) instrumentation was done as ingroup I and Gates-Glidden bur # 2, 3 and 4 in cervical and mediumthirds and step back with three k-files besides the last oneused in working length. Both groups were obturated by lateralcondensation technique and zinc oxide based sealer. They were put in methylene blue dye for 72 hours and root canal filling wasanalyzed for linear apical dye infiltration. Statistical analysis ofresults showed that there were no differences between groups.It was concluded that root canal enlargement does not improveroot apical seal.

In vitro comparison of apical leakage in root canals obturated with 0.04 and 0.02 tapered gutta-percha.

INTRODUCTION: Gutta-percha is the most commonly used material for root canal obturation; it has been recently manufactured with different tapers. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare microleakage of canals obturated with standard gutta-percha (0.02 taper) or the new 0.04 taper gutta-percha master cone using the cold lateral condensation technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four extracted single rooted teeth were selected. The crowns were removed and all the canals were prepared using RaCe rotary files. The teeth were then divided into experimental (n=2) and control (n=2) groups. In the first study group, the teeth were obturated with 0.02 taper gutta-percha master cone and lateral condensation. In the second study group, the canals were obturated by 0.04 tapered master cones and the same obturation method. The degree of leakage was measured using fluid filtration method. Data were analyzed statistically by student t-test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the mean microleakage of two experimental groups (P=0.558). CONCLUSION: Lateral condensation technique using 0.04 tapered master cones can provide an effective apical seal similar to 0.02 gutta-percha cones.

Comparação da infiltração apical entre os cimentos Obturadores ah plus, sealapex, sealer 26 e endofill, Através da diafanização / Comparison of apical leakage of endodontic sealers Ah plus, saelapex, sealer 26 e endofill through cleared teeth

Introdução e Objetivo: Analisar a infiltração dos cimentos AH Plus®, Sealapex®, Sealer 26® e Endofill® através da diafanização. Material e Métodos: 50 dentes humanos unirradiculares tiveram suas coroas removidas e canais preparados pela técnica de Oregon modificada. Após o preparo químico-mecânico os dentes foram obturados com cone de Guta-Percha e quatro diferentes tipos de cimentos endodônticos: Grupo I: AH Plus®; Grupo II: Sealapex®; Grupo III: Sealer 26® e Grupo IV: Endofill®. Os outros dois grupos serviram para os controle positivo (5 dentes) e negativo (5 dentes). Após a obturação, os dentes permaneceram em soro fisiológico a 0,9% por 60 dias, simulando a situação de umidade bucal. Passado esse período, os dentes foram impermeabilizados com três camadas de esmalte de unha e, depois de secos, foram imersos em tinta Nanquim e colocados na estufa a 37°C por 48 horas. Após esse período, as unidades de estudo foram lavadas em água corrente por 24 horas, as camadas de esmalte removidas com lâmina de bisturi e os dentes diafanizados. Resultados e Conclusão: Os resultados mostraram diferenças insignificantes entre os materiais testados, tendo assim, um comportamento semelhante na infiltração marginal apical.

Introduction and Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the infiltration from sealers: AH Plus®, Sealapex®, Sealer 26® and Endofill®, using clearing teeth technique. Material and Methods: The present work makes an analysis of infiltration using the clearing technique of 50 single-rooted teeth that had crowns removed and canals prepared by the Oregon Modified Technique. The root canals were filled with Gutta-Percha and for different sealers: Group I: AH Plus®; Group II: Sealapex®; Group III: Sealer 26® and Group IV: Endofill®. The others two groups of five teeth each served as positive and negative control groups. After filling, teeth remained for 60 days in saline solution 0,9% simulating oral conditions. Following this stage, teeth were covered by three layers of nail polish, immersed in Nanquin ink and stored in a stove under 37º for 2 days. The samples were washed in current water for 24 hours, had the nail varnish removed with bistouries blades and the clearing technique was applied to evaluation to results. Results and Conclusion: The Mann-Whitney test was used and statistical analysis of the results showed insignificant differences between the materials tested and so a similar behavior in the apical marginal infiltration.Key words: cleared teeth; apical leakage; obturation.