Study of the root canal sealing ability of AH PlusTM and EndofillTM with or without sealer along accessory cones

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the sealing ability of the root canal sealed by lateral condensation with AH Plus™ or Endofill™, using or not sealer along the accessory cones. Forty single rooted human teeth, containing one canal, had their crown removed in such a way that there was about 17 mm of remaining root. Following cleaning and shaping, the root the root were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D), of ten teeth each group. The root canals of groups A and B were filled with AH Plus™ and C and D were filled with Endofill™. After placing the master cone with sealer in all groups, the specimens of groups A and C had sealer taken to the canal together with accessory cones. Groups B and D had no sealer taken with the accessory cones. After sealer setting, the roots were made impermeable, leaving only the canal entrance open. The teeth were immersed in India ink for 96 hours. The roots were then washed in tap water for one hour and then were subjected to clearing. The ink penetration was measured in a microscope at 10X magnification. There were no statistically significant differences among the groups. It could be concluded that the insertion of sealer to the accessory cones did not interfere in the quality of root canal sealing. Key words: Endodontics. Root canal obturation. Seepage.