Sealing ability of AH26 and soft core gutta-percha using different instrumentations techniques and irrigations protocol: A SEM evaluation

Abstract

<p> <span style="font-size:10.0pt;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Aim: The aim of this </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ex vivo</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> study, with SEM, was to determine the effects of the smear layer on the root canal systems after different instrumentation technique and irrigation protocol, obturated with carrier based gutta-percha (Soft Core) and AH26 sealer. Materials & Methods: Forty freshly extracted human teeth were used for this study. The teeth were divided into two major groups according to instrumentation technique (Manual and ProFile) and then each major group into four subgroups according to irrigation protocol (Saline solution, 17% EDTA, 5.25% NaOCl). All of the samples were obturated with AH26 and Soft Core Heating Gutta-percha. The evaluation of the objectives was performed using a Scanning Electron Microscope. Result: ProFile </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;">instrumentation followed with irrigation of 17% EDTA and 5.25% NaOCl, selaed with AH26</span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;"> Soft Core Heating Guttapercha</span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;"> provided maximal contact at the S/D interface.</span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;"> The S/D interface had a serrated appearance due to effective penetration of the sealer into the patent dentin tubules. Conclusions:</span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Verdana;"> The adhezion of the respective sealer is more successful in cases when smear layer was removed completely.</span> </p