Influence of Ultrasonic Activation of 4 Root Canal Sealers on the Filling Quality

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of ultrasonic activation on the filling quality (intratubular sealer penetration, interfacial adaptation, and presence of voids) of 4 epoxy resin–based sealers.

Methods

Eighty-four extracted human canines were divided into 4 groups (n = 20) according to the sealer used to obturate the root canals instrumented with F5 ProTaper instruments (50/05) (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). The canals were filled by the lateral compaction technique. Previously, the sealers were labeled with rhodamine B dye to allow analysis under a confocal microscope. At the time of obturation, the specimens were divided again into 2 groups (n = 10) according to the ultrasonic activation of the sealers: ultrasonically activated and nonultrasonically activated groups. All samples were sectioned at 2, 4, and 6 mm from the apex. The percentages of voids, gaps, and dentinal sealer penetration segments of the canal were analyzed.

Results

Regarding the sealer penetration segments, there was a significant increase for the AH Plus (Dentsply Maillefer), Acroseal (Specialités Septodont, Saint Maur-des-Fossés, France), and Sealer 26 (Dentsply Maillefer) at the 4-mm level and the AH Plus and Sealer 26 at the 6-mm level with ultrasonic activation (P < .05). Concerning the gaps, the ultrasonic activation promoted a smaller presence for all sealers at the 4- and 6-mm levels (P < .05). No statistical significant differences were found for the percentages of voids (P < .05).

Conclusions

The use of ultrasonic activation of an epoxy resin–based sealer promoted greater dentinal sealer penetration and less presence of gaps.