The effect of storage time on the degree of dye leakage of root-end filling materials

The quality of the apical seal obtained by root-end filling materials generally has been assessed by the extent of dye penetration. Most investigators have allowed the root-end filling materials to set before they are tested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if storage time had any influence on the amount of dye leakage. Seventy extracted single rooted human anterior teeth were used. After removal of their anatomical crowns, the roots were instrumented, filled with gutta-percha and Roth's sealer, and subjected to test conditions. The roots were coated with two coats of nail polish. Root ends were resected and class I cavities prepared. Sixty class I root-end cavities were filled with with either amalgam, super EBA, or IRM (20 each). Ten roots in each group were placed immediately into India ink for 48 h, the other 10 were stored for 24 h before placement into the ink. Ten roots (five per group) were used as positive (gutta-percha, no sealer) and negative (bone wax) controls. The roots were then demineralized, linear dye leakage was measured, and the data were evaluated statistically using ANOVA. Super EBA, and IRM showed significantly less dye leakage than amalgam (P<0.0001). No significant difference existed between Super EBA and IRM. Storage time had no significant influence on the amount of dye leakage observed in this study.     

Comparative study of MTA and other materials in retrofilling of pulpless dogs' teeth

This in vivo study compared the effect of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), IRM, Super EBA and ZOE in a puttylike consistency, used as retrofilling materials, in the healing process of periapical tissue of pulpless dogs' teeth submitted to a conventional retrofilling technique. Twenty-four premolars obtained from three dogs were used. At the first intervention, the animals were anesthetized, coronal access was obtained and pulpectomy was done. Root canals were kept open to the oral environment for 180 days to induce the formation of apical lesions. After surgical removal of the lesions with curettes, 2 mm of the apical root was cut out perpendicular to the long axis of the teeth, and root-end cavities were shaped with a low-speed round bur. The bone cavities were irrigated and dried, and the root-end cavities were filled with MTA, IRM, Super EBA and ZOE in a puttylike consistency. The bone cavities were passively filled with blood and flaps were sutured. The coronal access openings were cleaned and double-sealed with ZOE and amalgam. After 180 days, the animals were killed by anesthetic overdose, maxilla and mandible were removed and the pieces were processed for histomorphologic analysis. Data were evaluated blindly on the basis of several histopathologic events and the scores obtained were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal Wallis test. No significant differences were observed among MTA, Super EBA and IRM (p>0.05). However, ZOE had a significantly more negative influence on the apical healing (p<0.05). In conclusion, MTA, Super EBA and IRM had similar histopathologic effects among each other and better performance than ZOE used in a puttylike consistency. Furthermore, only MTA stimulated hard tissue deposition in direct contact with the retrofilling material, even when it was inserted under critical conditions.     

Microleakage of root-end filling materials

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microleakage of various root-end filling materials using a fluid filtration system. Sixty extracted human single-rooted teeth were used. The crowns were removed, the canals prepared, and root-end fillings placed. The samples were divided into two control and five experimental groups. The root-end filling materials tested were: amalgam, Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM), a dentin-bonded resin, Super-EBA, and mineral trioxide aggregate. The results showed that amalgam root-end fillings demonstrated significantly more microleakage than Super-EBA, dentin-bonded resin, or mineral trioxide aggregate. There was no significant difference between amalgam and IRM. However IRM was also not significantly different from the other three groups. There were no significant differences between the other three groups.     

Properties of a new root-end filling material

The purposes of this investigation were 2-fold: to study the physical properties and sealing ability of Viscosity Enhanced Root Repair Material (VERRM); and, to compare them with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA). VERRM has a composition similar to mineral trioxide aggregate, with handling characteristics and consistency similar to commercially available materials such as IRM and Super EBA. The pH, setting times, solubility, radiopacity, dimensional change upon setting, and apical sealing ability of VERRM were evaluated and compared to that of ProRoot MTA (GMTA) and ProRoot MTA (Tooth Colored Formula) (WMTA). The results showed that VERRM had physical properties similar to WMTA. VERRM and WMTA showed significantly greater dye penetration than GMTA (p < 0.05) when used as a root-end filling material. There was no significant difference in depth of dye penetration between VERRM and WMTA. Further development of VERRM is indicated to produce a biocompatible root-end filling material with superior handling characteristics.     

Sealing ability of MTA, Super EBA, Vitremer and amalgam as root-end filling materials

This study evaluated the root-end sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA Angelus), reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol cement (Super EBA), resin-modified glass ionomer (Vitremer) and zinc-free amalgam (GS-80) (control). The root canals of eighty human lower molars were accessed, cleansed, shaped and obturated. Apexes were resected and cavities were prepared. Teeth were divided into 4 groups of 40 cavities, root-end filled with the materials, and immersed in methylene blue for 72 h at 37 degrees C. Roots were then sectioned transversally at each millimeter and evaluated under magnification, observing the dye penetration in each section. Data were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis test at a 5% level of significance, showing the differences among all materials (p < 0.001). The crescent order of microleakage was MTA < Vitremer < Super EBA < amalgam. Higher leakage levels were observed in the first millimeter sections of amalgam, Vitremer and MTA, when compared with the third millimeter section (p < 0.05).     

Sealing ability of super EBA and Dyract as root-end fillings: a study in vitro

The purpose of this study was to compare, in vitro , the sealing ability of Super EBA and a compomer, Dyract, as root-end filling materials. Forty-eight single-rooted human teeth were cleaned, shaped and obturated with gutta-percha. The root apices were resected and root-end cavities were prepared. Twenty teeth were retrofilled with Super EBA and Dyract; eight teeth served as positive and negative controls. Half of the teeth in each group were immersed in basic fuschin for 4 weeks, the other half for 12 weeks. The teeth were then embedded in resin, sectioned, and the maximum extent of dye penetration measured. Statistical analysis ( ANOVA ) did not reveal a significant difference between the two materials at 4 weeks. At 12 weeks, the extent of dye penetration was statistically significant with Super EBA leaking more than Dyract ( P = 0.002). Moreover, the extent of the dye penetration was statistically significantly different for Super EBA between the 4- and 12-week groups ( P = 0), whereas no such difference was found for Dyract. Thus, the sealing ability of Dyract was found to be better than Super EBA at 12 weeks.     

Leakage in vitro with IRM, high copper amalgam, and EBA cement as retrofilling materials

An in vitro dye leakage study was performed to compare the sealing ability of high copper amalgam with Copalite, IRM, and EBA cement when used as retrofilling materials. Fifty-one extracted anterior teeth were instrumented and then obturated with gutta-percha. The apical 3 mm of the roots were resected and 2-mm deep apical preparations were made. The roots were then randomly placed into three groups and retrofilled with one of the experimental materials. After 72 h in India ink, the teeth were cleared and evaluated for leakage with a stereomicroscope. No leakage was evident in the three teeth used as negative controls and complete leakage was noted in the three positive control teeth. Statistical analysis showed that IRM and EBA cement had significantly less leakage than amalgam with Copalite. The difference between the EBA cement and IRM was not significant.     

Sealing ability of amalgam, super EBA cement, and MTA when used as retrograde filling materials

OBJECTIVE: To compare apical microleakage of MTA following reverse retrograde root filling with that following amalgam and EBA retrofilling. DESIGN: Prospective random control trial. SETTING: It was conducted at the University of Jordan in 1998. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The root canals of 79 extracted teeth were instrumented and obturated with vertically condensed gutta-percha. Each tooth was apically resected and the apex was prepared ultrasonically to 3 mm depth and the root surface isolated with nail varnish. Teeth were divided randomly into three groups of 25 teeth each. First group was retrofilled with amalgam, second group with EBA and the third group with MTA. Following immersion in 1% methylene blue dye for 72 hours, the roots were sectioned and the depth of dye penetration was evaluated by a stereomicroscope at x10 magnification. INTERVENTIONS: Super EBA is a reinforced zinc oxide cement based on a mixture of 32% eugenol and 68% ethoxy benzoic acid (EBA). MTA is a mineral trioxide aggregate cement (MTA) based on a mixture of sterile water. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The sealing effectiveness of the retrograde filling materials used in this study was determined by their ability to inhibit dye penetration. RESULTS: 56% of the group filled with amalgam and 20% of the group filled with EBA showed dye leakage beyond the retrofilling material whereas the MTA group showed none, two samples from MTA group were eliminated because of their fractured roots. The chi-squared test revealed a statistically significant difference among all three groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MTA cement provides a better seal than amalgam and EBA cement when used as retrograde filling, but the extrapolation of this result into a clinical practice may be questionable.     

Root-end filling materials in apicoectomy--a review

An integral component of apicoectomy procedure is the placement of a root end filling material. In this 20 years literature review we identified at least 19 different materials that have been used as root end filling materials. Unfortunately, the ideal material for this purpose is yet to be found. Amalgam is the most frequently used material in apicoectomy procedure and can lead to satisfying results in many cases. IRM, super EBA and MTA are more suitable materials, and give better results in apicoectomy procedures than Amalgam. IRM and super EBA are both ZOE cements. Super EBA is less cytotoxic than IRM, suggesting that the decreased eugenol in Super EBA allows it to be less irritating. MTA gives better results when tested for leakage and biocompatibility than IRM and Super EBA, and has the ability of induction of hard tissue. A possible disadvantage that prevents MTA from being acceptable as "the ideal root-end filling material" is a long setting time that may lead to dislodgment or deformation from root end preparation. Yet, in most cases MTA serves as the best choice for a root end filling material.     

Apical leakage of root-end placed SuperEBA, MTA, and Geristore restorations in human teeth previously stored in 10% formalin

The purpose of this study was to determine if storage of extracted teeth in 10% formalin affects microleakage of MTA, Geristore, or SuperEBA root-end fillings. There were 130 freshly extracted single-rooted teeth collected, immediately placed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and stored for less than 24 hours. Teeth were divided and either placed in 10% formalin for a 4-weeks immersion or immediately prepared. Preparation for all teeth consisted of canal instrumentation, obturation, apical resection, retrograde preparation, and placement of a root-end filling material. After 72 hours, the apical portions were immersed in India ink under vacuum pressure for 30 minutes, and then stored in ink for 1 week. Negative controls and positive controls performed as expected. In general, there was significantly less dye leakage of root-end restorations in teeth stored in 10% formalin when compared to the freshly extracted teeth (p < 0.0001). No difference in dye leakage was observed between Geristore restorations placed in teeth stored in formalin as compared to fresh teeth (p = 0.892). Less dye leakage was noted in teeth restored with Geristore as compared to MTA and SuperEBA, regardless of storage medium (p < 0.0001). No difference was observed between MTA and SuperEBA root-end restorations (p = 0.157). The results of this study provide evidence that storage of teeth in 10% formalin over a 4-week period may significantly influence dye leakage as compared to leakage in freshly extracted teeth.     

The use of Bioceramics as root-end filling materials in periradicular surgery: A literature review

Introduction

Periradicular surgery involves the placement of a root-end filling following root-end resection, to provide an apical seal to the root canal system. Historically several materials have been used in order to achieve this seal. Recently a class of materials known as Bioceramics have been adopted. The aim of this article is to provide a review of the outcomes of periradicular surgery when Bioceramic root-end filling materials are used on human permanent teeth in comparison to “traditional” materials.

Effect of various zinc oxide materials as root-end fillings on healing after replantation

This study examined the effect of various zinc oxide materials as root-end fillings of teeth in a replantation model. A total of 35 molar teeth were used from 19 monkeys. After extraction, root ends were resected, the canals contaminated with oral bacteria, root-end cavities prepared and fillings placed prior to replantation. After 8 weeks the teeth and surrounding jaw were removed and prepared for histological examination. Twelve roots were filled with IRM plus dentine chips, and six with Cavit; the tissue response around root ends filled with these materials as assessed by inflammation was similar to that previously reported to IRM and Super EBA cement and was characterized by little or no inflammation of limited extent. In contrast, more severe inflammation was observed around root ends filled with plain zinc oxide–eugenol or Kalzinol; however, the reaction was neither as severe nor as extensive as that to amalgam root–end fillings. Giant cells were observed most often on the surface of fillings with Cavit and zinc oxide–1eugenol. It is concluded that the tissue response to IRM with or without added dentine, Super EBA and Cavit was similar and mild; it was less severe than that to zinc oxide-eugenol and Kalzinol. All these materials had a much more favourable response than amalgam.     

SEALING ABILITY OF CASTOR OIL POLYMER AS A ROOT-END FILLING MATERIAL

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of castor oil polymer (COP), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and glass ionomer cement (GIC) as root-end filling materials. Forty-five single-rooted human teeth were cleaned and prepared using a step-back technique. The apical third of each root was resected perpendicularly to the long axis direction. All teeth were obturated with gutta-percha and an endodontic sealer. After, a root-end cavity with 1.25-mm depth was prepared using a diamond bur. The specimens were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n=15), according to the root-end filling material used: G1) COP; G2) MTA; G3) GIC. The external surfaces of the specimens were covered with epoxy adhesive, except the root-end filling. The teeth were immersed in rhodamine B dye for 24 hours. Then, the roots were sectioned longitudinally and the linear dye penetration at the dentin/material interface was determined using a stereomicroscope. ANOVA and Tukey''s tests were used to compare the three groups. The G1 group (COP) presented smaller dye penetration, statistically different than the G2 (MTA) and G3 (GIC) groups (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference in microleakage was observed between G2 and G3 groups (p>0.05). The results of this study indicate that the COP presented efficient sealing ability when used as a root-end filling material showing results significantly better than MTA and GIC.     

Ex vivo microscopic assessment of factors affecting the quality of apical seal created by root-end fillings

AIM: (i) To evaluate the incidence of microcracks around root-end preparations completed with ultrasonic tips and their relationship with the root filling technique and thickness of surrounding dentine. (ii) To investigate the effect of rapid exposure to a water-soluble dye of Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM), Super Ethoxybenzoic Acid (sEBA) and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), on the marginal adaptation and microleakage of root-end fillings. (iii) To describe the microstructure of the surface of root-end filling materials. METHODOLOGY: Ninety-two single-rooted teeth were divided into two groups (n = 46) according to the root canal instrumentation/filling techniques. Group 1 consisted of specimens in which canal preparation was completed using a crown-down technique and then filled with the Thermafil system (TF group); Group 2 consisted of specimens in which canal preparation was completed using a step-back technique and lateral condensation (LC group). Following root-end resection and ultrasonic cavity preparation, the samples were further divided into three subgroups (n = 24) for root-end filling with IRM, sEBA or MTA. The ultrasonic preparation time was recorded. Eight teeth were kept as positive and 12 as negative controls. Following immersion in Indian ink for 7 days, all resected root surfaces were evaluated for the presence of microcracks and the cross-sectional area of root-end surface and root-end filling were measured to evaluate the thickness of the dentinal walls. Thereafter, the samples were sectioned longitudinally so as to assess the depth of dye penetration and marginal adaptation of root-end fillings. Negative controls longitudinally sectioned were used to describe microstructural characteristics of the root-end filling materials using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques. RESULTS: Although the thickness of dentinal walls between groups 1 and 2 was similar, the ultrasonic preparation time and number of microcracks were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the TF group. Both groups had a significant correlation between microcracks and ultrasonic preparation time (P < 0.001). sEBA and IRM had better adaptation and less leakage compared with MTA. A SEM analysis displayed microstructural differences between the root-end filling materials. CONCLUSION: Microcracks can occur independently of the thickness of dentinal walls and may be associated with the prolonged ultrasonic preparation time required for the removal of the root filling during root-end cavity preparation. Although sEBA and IRM had better behaviour than MTA regarding microleakage and marginal adaptation, it is possible that exposure of MTA to a water-soluble dye before achieving full set and its porous microstructure contributed to the results.     

Comparison of microleakage with three different thicknesses of mineral trioxide aggregate as root-end filling material

The aim of this study was to compare the microleakage at three different thicknesses of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as a root-end filling material. Ninety extracted human maxillary incisor teeth were selected and the root canals of the teeth were cleaned, shaped and obturated with gutta percha and AH-plus sealer. Teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups each containing 20 experimental samples, and 5 positive and 5 negative controls. In the first, second and third experimental groups, cavities of 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm in depth, respectively, were prepared and filled with MTA. Leakage was determined by the dye penetration method using India ink, and a stereomicroscope at x16 magnifications and 0.1 mm accuracy. The microleakage in the 3-mm and 2-mm root-end cavities was less than at 1 mm depth, but analysis of variance revealed no significant differences among the three different thicknesses.     

A comparison of laterally condensed gutta-percha, thermoplasticized gutta-percha, and mineral trioxide aggregate as root canal filling materials

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of using mineral trioxide aggregate as a root canal filling material by comparing its apical sealing ability with that of laterally condensed gutta-percha with sealer and high-temperature thermoplasticized gutta-percha with sealer in extracted bovine teeth. Sixty bovine incisors with single canals were prepared in a standard manner using LightSpeed instruments, randomly divided into three groups of 20 teeth, and obturated. The sealing ability of each technique was assessed by immersion in 1% methylene blue dye for 3 days. The teeth were cleared, and the linear extent of dye penetration was measured with a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA followed by Dunn's test. Canals filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha or thermoplasticized gutta-percha showed significantly less apical dye penetration than canals obturated with mineral trioxide aggregate (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in leakage between the laterally condensed group and the thermoplasticized group. The results suggest that gutta-percha obturation may provide an apical seal that is superior to MTA.     

Evaluation of root-end cavity preparation using ultrasonic retrotips

AIM: To evaluate and compare the efficiency of root-end preparations using ultrasonic retrotips coated with diamond and zirconium nitride. METHODOLOGY: Eighty-five extracted single-rooted teeth were root filled, and then resected 3 mm from their apices. Root-end cavities were prepared with KiS (zirconium nitride-coated retrotip), CT-5 (stainless steel tip) or diamond-coated (DC) ultrasonic retrotips, and 10 teeth served as controls. Thirty teeth were used for evaluation of the time required to prepare the root-end cavity, the number of microcracks produced on the resected surface and the number of dentinal tubule openings on the root-canal wall using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. A further 55 teeth were used for evaluation of dye penetration following filling of the root-end cavities with Super EBA. The degree of dye penetration in millimetres was measured under the microscope after 7 days of immersion in India ink. Statistical analyses were performed using the one-way ANOVA and Scheffe's F-test as the post hoc test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the number of microcracks and dentinal tubule openings present in the root apices prepared by the three retrotips. The time required for root-end cavity preparation using the DC retrotip was significantly less than that using the other groups (P<0.01). Positive controls showed dye penetration throughout the length of the root-end cavity, and negative controls showed no dye penetration. There was no significant difference between the three experimental groups in dye penetration. CONCLUSIONS: In this laboratory study, the time required to prepare root-end cavities using KiS retrotips was the same as that using CT-5 retrotips, and longer than that using DC retrotips. There was no significant difference in the number of microcracks or dye penetration between the three kinds of retrotips.     

Healing of experimental apical periodontitis after apicoectomy using different sealing materials on the resected root end

This study evaluated apical periodontal healing after root-end sealing using 4-META/MMA-TBB resin (SB), and root-end filling using reinforced zinc oxide eugenol cement (EBA) or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) when root canal infection persisted. Apical periodontitis was induced in mandibular premolars of beagles by contaminating the root canals with dental plaque. After 1 month, in the SB group, SB was applied to the resected surface following apicoectomy. In the EBA and MTA groups, a root-end cavity was prepared and filled with EBA or MTA. In the control group, the root-end was not filled. Fourteen weeks after surgery, histological and radiographic analyses in a beagle model were performed. The bone defect area in the SB, EBA and MTA groups was significantly smaller than that in the control group. The result indicated that root-end sealing using SB and root-end filling using EBA or MTA are significantly better than control.     

Comparison of the sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate and Portland cement used as root-end filling materials

Inadequate apical seal is the major cause of surgical endodontic failure. The root-end filling material used should prevent egress of potential contaminants into periapical tissue. The purpose of this study was to compare the sealing ability of four root-end filling materials: white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), gray MTA, white Portland cement (PC) and gray PC by dye leakage test. Ninety-six human single-rooted teeth were instrumented, and obturated with gutta-percha. After resecting the apex, an apical cavity was prepared. The teeth were randomly divided into four experimental groups (A: white MTA, B: gray MTA, C: white PC and D: gray PC; n = 20) and two control groups (positive and negative control groups; n = 8). Root-end cavities in the experimental groups were filled with the experimental materials. The teeth were exposed to Indian ink for 72 hours. The extent of dye penetration was measured with a stereomicroscope at 16× magnification. The negative controls showed no dye penetration and dye penetration was seen in the entire root-end cavity of positive controls. However, there was no statistically significant difference among the four experimental groups (P > 0.05). All retrograde filling materials tested in this study showed the same microleakage in vitro. Given the low cost and apparently similar sealing ability of PC, PC could be considered as a substitute for MTA as a root-end filling material.     

RADIOPACITY EVALUATION OF ROOT-END FILLING MATERIALS BY DIGITIZATION OF IMAGES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of 5 root-end filling materials (white MTA-Angelus, grey MTA-Angelus, IRM, Super EBA and Sealer 26). Five specimens (10 mm diameter X 1 mm thickness) were made from each material and radiographed next to an aluminum stepwedge varying in thickness from 2 to 16 mm. Radiographs were digitized and the radiopacity of the materials was compared to that of the aluminum stepwedge using VIXWIN 2000 software in millimeters of aluminum (mm Al). Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey''s test at 5% significance level. Radiopacity values varied from 3 mm Al to 5.9 mm Al. Sealer 26 and IRM presented the highest radiopacity values (p<0.05), while white/grey MTA and Super EBA presented the lowest radiopacity values (p<0.05). The tested root-end filling materials presented different radiopacities, white/grey MTA and Super EBA being the least radiopaque materials.