Comparison of apical sealing after root canal filling with the guta-percha / AH26TM and ResilonTM / EpiphanyTM systems

Abstract

The success of endodontic therapy is based on the correct disinfection, instrumentation, and obturation of the root canal system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the apical sealing ability of root canals after obturation, using two resin-based endodontic sealers: Epiphany, with a dentin-bonding agent, and AH26, with no dentin-bonding agent, both respectively associated with Resilon and gutta-percha. A total of 32 extracted human teeth (maxillary central incisors) were randomly divided into 2 experimental groups of 4 specimens each and 2 control groups (positive and negative) of 2 specimens each. A standardized working length and apical foramen diameter were established, and the instrumentation was performed using the Oregon Technique, first irrigated with a 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution and finally irrigated with 17% EDTA. Next, the obturations were performed using the Continuous Wave of Condensation Technique, and the dentinal surfaces were made impermeable, except in the 3mm of the apical foramen. Subsequently, the teeth were immersed in a 2% methylene blue dye solution as a tracer for 72 h. After this period, the teeth were longitudinally split, and the maximum extent of dye penetration was measured from the root and filling material to the most coronal evidence along the canal walls, by means of a stereomicroscopic magnifying glass with an attached digital camera. The results were tabulated and submitted to pertinent statistical analysis. The findings of this study were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test, which illustrated that the gutta-percha/AH 26 system presented a significantly better sealing capacity in the apical region than did the Epiphany/Resilon association. Key words: Dentin-bonding agent. Resin sealers. Dentin infiltration. Materials to fill root canals.