Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of single-cone obturation with three sealers

Sahar Zare; Ivy Shen; Qiang Zhu; Chul Ahn; Carolyn Primus; Takashi Komabayashi

doi:10.5395/rde.2021.46.e25

Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of single-cone obturation with three sealers

Restor Dent Endod. 2021 Apr 16;46(2):e25. doi: 10.5395/rde.2021.46.e25. eCollection 2021 May.

Authors

Sahar Zare¹, Ivy Shen¹, Qiang Zhu², Chul Ahn³, Carolyn Primus⁴, Takashi Komabayashi¹

Affiliations

¹ University of New England College of Dental Medicine, Portland, ME, USA.
² Division of Endodontology, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
³ Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
⁴ Augusta University Dental College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA.

Abstract

Objectives: This study used micro-computed tomography (µCT) to compare voids and interfaces in single-cone obturation among AH Plus, EndoSequence BC, and prototype surface pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) sealers and to determine the percentage of sealer contact at the dentin and gutta-percha (GP) interfaces.

Materials and methods: Fifteen single-rooted human teeth were shaped using ProTaper NEXT size X5 rotary files using 2.5% NaOCl irrigation. Roots were obturated with a single-cone ProTaper NEXT GP point X5 with AH Plus, EndoSequence BC, or prototype S-PRG sealer (n = 5/group).

Results: The volumes of GP, sealer, and voids were measured in the region of 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, and 6-8 mm from the apex, using image analysis of sagittal µCT scans. GP volume percentages were: AH Plus (75.5%), EndoSequence BC (87.3%), and prototype S-PRG (94.4%). Sealer volume percentages were less: AH Plus (14.3%), EndoSequence BC (6.8%), and prototype S-PRG (4.6%). Void percentages were AH Plus (10.1%), EndoSequence BC (5.9%), and prototype S-PRG (1.0%). Dentin-sealer contact ratios of AH Plus, EndoSequence BC, and prototype S-PRG groups were 82.4% ± 6.8%, 71.6% ± 25.3%, and 70.2% ± 9.4%, respectively. GP-sealer contact ratios of AH Plus, EndoSequence BC, and prototype S-PRG groups were 65.6% ± 29.1%, 80.7% ± 25.8%, and 87.0% ± 8.6%, respectively.

Conclusions: Prototype S-PRG sealer created a low-void obturation, similar to EndoSequence BC sealer with similar dentin-sealer contact (> 70%) and GP-sealer contact (> 80%). Prototype S-PRG sealer presented comparable filling quality to EndoSequence BC sealer.

Keywords: Endodontic sealer; Epoxy resin; S-PRG prototype sealer; Tricalcium silicate; X-ray Micro-CT.