Penetrability of a new endodontic sealer: A confocal laser scanning microscopy evaluation

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the penetration of a new endodontic sealer into the dentinal tubules. Twenty single-rooted teeth were selected. The crown was sectioned, and the canals were instrumented with a reciprocating system. Irrigation was performed with 2 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite between each file change. After instrumentation, the root canals were irrigated with 2 mL of17% EDTA for 3 min followed by saline solution. The specimens were randomized into two groups (n =10) according to the endodontic sealer: AH Plus (AP) or Sealer Plus (SP). All specimens were filled using the lateral compaction technique. Rhodamine B dye (red) was incorporated to the sealers to provide the fluorescence which will enable confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) assessment. The roots were sectioned 2, 4, and 6 mm from the apex and assessed by CLSM. The root canal level affected the penetration of the sealer, but no statistical significant differences were found between the two experimental groups (p > .05). SP presented similar dentinal penetration and perimeter integrity to the gold standard (AP). Research HighlightsSealer Plus presents dentinal penetrability and perimeter integrity similar to the gold standard sealer (AH Plus), demonstrating excellent ability of filling areas of difficult access.

The Penetration Ability of Calcium Silicate Root Canal Sealers into Dentinal Tubules Compared to Conventional Resin-Based Sealer: A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Study

“…CLSM offers several advantages over other techniques, as it does not require any special sample preparation and retains the integrity of the sealer. CLSM also provides the means to visualize the full extent of sealer penetration, as well as the sealer penetration depth [34]. Image acquisition from several optical sections using CLSM, even from thick specimens, allows for a more complete final image reconstruction [35].…”

Intratubular penetration of endodontic sealers depends on the fluorophore used for CLSM assessment

“…Recently a new epoxy resin‐based sealer with calcium hydroxide in its composition was marketed (Sealer Plus; MK Life, Porto Alegre, Brazil). The addition of calcium hydroxide aimed to decrease the sealer cytotoxicity making it more biocompatible (Piai et al, 2018).…”

“…Root canal filling quality is assessed under several aspects: the ability to fill canal irregularities, presence of gaps or empty spaces, and dentinal tubule penetration (Piai et al, 2018; Wang, Liu, & Dong, 2018. Endodontic sealers tubular penetration is decisive because it occurs in areas that gutta‐percha would not penetrate, and because it will be beneficial to control or kill microorganisms possibly housed in this region (Ordinola‐Zapata et al, 2009).…”

The effect of different obturation methods on sealer penetration alongside apically separated rotary nickel–titanium instruments: A confocal laser scanning microscopy study

“…On the other hand, the 1 mm level is chosen to see whether the sealer can seep into apical area between the flutes of instruments and canal walls and can penetrate into the dentine tubules. Several techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, are available for evaluating the interface between dental material and dentine (Cervino et al, ; Giudice, Cicciù, Cervino, Lizio, & Visco, ; Balguerie, van der Sluis, Vallaeys, Gurgel‐Georgelin, & Diemer, ; Lo Giudice et al, ), light microscopy (Weis, Parashos, & Messer, ), and CLSM (Piai et al, ; El Hachem et al, ). CLSM was used in the present study due its advantages over other detection methods.…”