Effect of sonic and ultrasonic activation on physicochemical properties of root canal sealers

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of ultrasonic and sonic activation on physicochemical properties of AH Plus, MTA Fillapex, ADSeal, GuttaFlow Bioseal, and GuttaFlow 2 sealers. Methodology: Three experimental groups were formed: no activation (NA), ultrasonic activation (UA), and sonic activation (SA). The sealers were manipulated according to the manufacturers' instructions. A 3-mL syringe was adapted to receive 1 mL of sealer. Activation was performed with a 20/.01 ultrasonic insert (20 s/1W) in the UA group. A size 35.04 sonic tip was used (20 s/10,000 cycles/min-1) in the SA group. The molds for physicochemical analysis were filled and evaluated according to ANSI/ADA specification no. 57: setting time (ST), flow (FL), dimensional change (DC), solubility (SB), and radiopacity (RD). Statistical analysis was performed by Kruskal-Wallis, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's tests (P<0.05). Results: Regarding ST, only AH Plus and GuttaFlow 2 in the NA group met the ANSI/ADA standards. All FL values were greater than 20 mm in diameter, as determined by ANSI/ADA. The tested sealers and protocols did not comply with the ANSI/ADA standards for DC. As for SB, only MTA Fillapex, regardless of the activation protocol, did not follow the ANSI/ADA standards. All of the investigated sealers, regardless of the activation protocol, presented radiographic density higher than 3 mm Al, as proposed by ANSI/ADA. Conclusions: UA and SA promoted changes in the physicochemical properties of the evaluated root canal sealers, mainly in ST and F. Thus, it is important to evaluate the physicochemical properties of endodontic sealers associated with activation techniques prior to clinical application in order to determine whether the properties follow the parameters set by ANSI/ADA, ensuring safety and quality of root canal filling.

Flow, Filling Ability and Apical Extrusion of New Calcium Silicate-Based Sealers: A Micro-Computed Tomographic Study

“…Flow rate of the root canal sealers was evaluated since this property should allow the filling of irregularities, leading to greater penetration into accessory canals, isthmus, and dentinal tubules [6,23]. In the current study, Bio-C Sealer had the highest flow, followed by Sealer Plus BC, AH Plus and the lowest value was obtained by NeoMTA Plus.…”

“…Although the high flow rate can lead to a lower total voids percentage for Bio-C Sealer in comparison with NeoMTA Plus and also a better filling in the apical third in comparison with NeoMTA Plus and AH Plus, an excessive flow may increase the risk of apical extrusion, which may impair the apical repair process [3,23]. Moreover, even that the insertion of Bio-C Sealer and Sealer Plus BC in the canals by means of an applicator syringe may have contributed to the better filling of the canals, a greater apical extrusion of these sealers can be a consequence of this technique.…”

“…Overextension of endodontic materials beyond the apical foramen could damage periodontal tissues, and in posterior lower teeth could damage the inferior alveolar nerve [33,34]. Therefore, there is a greater chance of a consequent postoperative pain [23]. Nevertheless, a previous study evaluated three hundred seven teeth with an average follow-up time of 30 months after endodontic treatment using a readyto-use calcium silicate-based sealer (EndoSequence BC Sealer, Brasseler, USA, Savannah, GA) with a single-cone technique [35].…”

Temperature changes affect the rheological properties of a silicone‐based and an epoxy resin‐based root canal sealers

“…On contrary to our findings, Lopes et al . (30) have reported that sonic and ultrasonic activation increase the sealer temperature, which resulted in an increased on the setting time.…”

Influence of Ultrasonic Activation on the Physicochemical Properties of Calcium Silicate-Based Cements

“…The mechanical manipulation of cements can provide a uniform and homogeneous mixture between powder and liquid, and the reduction of the particles' size [ 7 , 8 ] provides greater interaction of the cement with dentin [ 9 ], increasing the contact area between them during the hydration process [ 10 ]. These processes can also allow greater interaction with dentin and, consequently, a deeper penetration into the dentinal tubules and material adaptation to the retrograde cavity [ 9 ].…”