Influence of sealer type on treatment outcome of teeth with apical periodontitis: a systematic review

Abstract The purpose of this article was to Evaluate the influence of sealer on the outcome of non-surgical endodontic treatment or retreatment of permanent teeth with apical periodontitis (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020205951). Methodology: A systematic review of original clinical studies was carried out following PRISMA guidelines to answer whether the type of sealer used in endodontic treatment or retreatment influences the repair of apical periodontitis determined by clinical and radiographic parameters. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library database, until May 2023. Gray literature and a hand search of reference lists were also performed. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB2 for randomized trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for prospective and retrospective cohort and case-control studies. Results: Among 1046 studies, a total of 819 were selected by title and abstract, resulting in 23 for full-text review. In total, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria (1467 patients/teeth with apical periodontitis). The quality assessment using RoB2 included five randomized control trials, of which four had medium risk and one had a low risk of bias. According to the NOS scale, five studies were classified as low risk and one study was considered as medium risk of bias. The sealer type and obturation techniques varied, and the mean follow-up time was 3.7 years. Most studies used two-dimensional radiographic criteria to assess the treatment outcome sealers and not cements. Eight studies did not find significant differences when comparing cements. The healing rates ranged from 56.7% to 90%. Conclusions: The results of this review support that the current endodontic sealers do not seem to influence the treatment outcome of permanent teeth with apical periodontitis. Although the studies had medium and low risk of bias, the results should be interpreted with caution. More randomized studies of long-term outcomes comparing filling materials are needed to strengthen this claim and allow for a meta-analysis.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar a influência do cimento no resultado do tratamento ou retratamento endodôntico não cirúrgico de dentes permanentes com periodontite apical (registro PROSPERO: CRD42020205951). Metodologia: Uma revisão sistemática de estudos clínicos originais foi realizada seguindo as diretrizes PRISMA para responder se o tipo de cimento usado no tratamento ou retratamento endodôntico influencia a reparação da periodontite apical determinada por parâmetros clínicos e radiográficos. Pesquisas eletrônicas foram realizadas no PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus e no banco de dados Cochrane Library, até maio de 2023. A literatura cinza e uma pesquisa manual das listas de referências também foram realizadas. O risco de viés foi avaliado usando Cochrane RoB2 para os estudos randomizados e Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) para coorte prospectiva e retrospectiva e estudos de caso-controle. Resultados: Entre 1.046 estudos, um total de 819 foram selecionados por título e resumo, resultando em 23 para revisão de texto completo. No total, 11 estudos preencheram os critérios de inclusão (1.467 pacientes/dentes com periodontite apical). A avaliação de qualidade usando RoB2 incluiu cinco estudos randomizados de controle, dos quais quatro tinham risco médio e um tinha baixo risco de viés. De acordo com a escala NOS, cinco estudos foram classificados com baixo risco e um estudo foi considerado com médio risco de viés. O tipo de cimento e as técnicas de obturação variaram, e o tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 3,7 anos. A maioria dos estudos utilizou critérios radiográficos bidimensionais para avaliar o resultado do tratamento. Oito estudos não encontraram diferenças significativas ao comparar os cimentos. As taxas de reparação variaram de 56,7% a 90%. Conclusões: Os resultados desta revisão suportam que os cimentos endodônticos atuais não parecem influenciar o resultado do tratamento de dentes permanentes com periodontite apical. Embora os estudos tiveram médio e baixo risco de viés, os resultados devem ser interpretados com cautela. Mais estudos randomizados de resultados de longo prazo comparando materiais de obturação são necessários para fortalecer essa afirmação e permitir uma meta-análise.

Comparative Evaluation of Push-Out Bond Strength of AH-Plus, MTA-Fillapex and Epiphany SE Root Canal Sealers: An Ex?Vivo Study

Background: A successful root canal (RC) treatment depends upon creation of a fluid impervious seal that is commonly built by using a RC sealer along with gutta?percha. The bond strength of the RC sealer is a hallmark as it will minimize the risk of treatment failure by reducing the possibility of filling detachment from dentin. Aim: To evaluate and compare the push?out bond strength of AH?Plus and MTA?Fillapex with Gutta?Percha and Epiphany Self Etch/Resilon system using the Universal Testing Machine. Materials and Method: About 60 mandibular premolars with single canals were prepared apically with Hyflex CM files upto size #30. Out of total, 20 teeth were obturated with AH?Plus/GP (group 1), 20 with MTA?Fillapex/GP (group 2), and other 20 with Epiphany Self Etch/Resilon system (group 3). Teeth were sectioned into three slices of 2 mm each and were subjected to Universal Testing Machine. Statistical Analysis: The data obtained were tabulated and statistically evaluated using SPSS version 21.0 statistical analysis software (IBM, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results: The mean push?out bond strength was highest for AH–Plus (14.32 MPa) followed by MTA?Fillapex (12.18 MPa) and then Epiphany SE (8.44 MPa). The results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Significantly, higher push out bond strength was displayed by AH?Plus sealer than MTA?Fillapex and least being Epiphany SE sealer. The push out bond strength was significantly highest at apical third and lowest at coronal third

In Vitro Cytotoxicity Analysis of Bioceramic Root Canal Sealers on Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells

ABSTRACT@#This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of four bioceramic root canal sealers (bioceramic sealers): GuttaFlow Bioseal (GB), MTA Fillapex, CeraSeal Bioceramic root canal sealer (CS), and iRoot SP root canal sealer (iRSP). The viability of human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of these bioceramic sealers. HGF cells were cultured and exposed to bioceramic sealer extracts for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours at 37°C in an incubator humidified with 5% CO2. The 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide or MTT assay was conducted to determine cell viability at each incubation period and compared among all bioceramic sealers. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed statistically significant differences between the positive control group and MTA Fillapex, MTA Fillapex and GB, and between GB and iRSP with p < 0.05. However, no statistical differences were found in cell viability for each material across all the incubation periods. GB was the least cytotoxic bioceramic sealer with cell viability exceeding 90% throughout the 72-hour incubation followed by CS, iRSP, and MTA Fillapex with non-cytotoxicity after 72-hour incubation, mild cytotoxicity after 72-hour incubation, and mild cytotoxicity after 72-hour incubation, respectively. However, iRSP showed moderate cytotoxicity, and MTA Fillapex was severely cytotoxic (< 30% cell viability) after 24-hour incubation.

Functions of Root Canal Sealers- A Review.

Endodontic therapy is a treatment for the diseased pulp of a tooth. It will result in the removal of infection and the preservation from further microbial invasion. The principle constituents of an endodontic filling are- a core material “gutta percha” and “endodontic sealers”. All the current obturating techniques make use of the sealer to augment the seal endodontic filling material. It fills the space between canals. Endodontic sealer fills the space between the material as well as root dentin. Different types of sealers are available (resin sealers, ZOE sealers, mineral trioxide aggregate sealer, bio-ceramic containing sealers, glass ionomer containing sealer, calcium hydroxide containing sealer). Root canal sealers have different functions- antibacterial, lubricant for core material, to increase radio-opacity of core or as a filling material. Different types of microorganisms as well as microbial products cause pulpal as well as peri-radicular diseases. Microorganisms persist in the canal due to poor irrigation. We wanted to evaluate the various functions of different endodontic sealers. The perfect apical seal obtained by use of sealers is one which is stable and non-irritating in nature. It should also give us a smoother seal. Biocompatibility of root canal sealer has importance as it is placed directly in contact with the living tissue. Response of dental tissue help in the final outcome of successful endodontic treatment. Bond strength between canal walls exhibit through micromechanical retention. It helps in preventing the dislodgement of filling material. It ultimately helps in maintenance of interface between filling material and sealers. Push out test is the process to assess bond strength among filling material and sealers. Endodontic sealer has sufficient amount of radiopacity so that it can be clearly visualised among material and adjacent anatomical structures.

Effects of MTAD on the bond strength of bioceramic root canal sealer

Aim: The aim of this in-vitro study was to investigate the effects of MTAD (a mixture of doxycycline, citric acid, and a detergent) on the bond strength of AH Plus (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany) and EndoSequence BC sealer (Brasseler USA, Savannah, Georgia, USA). Materials & Methods: Eighty-four decoronated single-rooted human incisor teeth were prepared with Reciproc R25 files (VDW, Munich, Germany), and the canal was irrigated with 5 mL 1.3% NaOCl. The roots were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 21), according to the final irrigation protocol and sealer selection: Group 1: distilled water-AH Plus; Group 2: distilled water-EndoSequence BC; Group 3: MTAD-AH Plus; Group 4: MTAD-EndoSequence BC. For the final flush, in Groups 1 and 2, the root canals were irrigated with 5mL of distilled water; in Groups 3 and 4, 5mL of MTAD was used for 1 minute. After root canal obturation, specimens was embedded in an acrylic block and sectioned horizontally at three levels (coronal, middle, apical). Bond strength of sealer to root canal dentin was assessed via push-out test using a universal testing machine. Results: There were no significant differences among the groups in coronal and apical thirds. In the middle root third, Group 4 showed significantly lower push-out bond strength values than Group 2 (p=0.023). No significant difference was found between the two root canal sealers. Conclusions: Overall, MTAD final irrigation caused lower push-out bond strenght values than distilled water with no significancy.

Obturación del sistema de conductos radiculares: revisión de la literatura / Root canal system obturation: a review of the literature

Con el paso de los años, diferentes conceptos atribuidos a temáticas del área de la endodoncia sufren modificaciones. Una de estas etapas es la obturación del sistema de conductos radiculares, este procedimiento sumamente minucioso y crítico en la obtención de un resultado exitoso ha tenido en los últimos años importantes aportaciones en términos de aparición de nuevos materiales y técnicas dentro del campo de la endodoncia. La presente revisión de literatura retoma aspectos básicos que junto al más reciente conocimiento sobre obturación endodóncica permitirán al practicante de la endodoncia enfatizar aspectos de la última etapa operatoria del tratamiento de conductos, con el objetivo de contar con diferentes alternativas de información que le permitan actualizar sus conocimientos en el área de la endodoncia (AU)

Over the years, different thematic concepts attributed to the endodontics are modified. One such step is the sealing of the root canal system, this procedure extremely thorough and critical in obtaining a successful result, it has had in recent years important contributions in terms of new materials and techniques in the field of endodontic. This literature review basic aspects resumed by the latest knowledge about endodontic filling, allow the practitioner endodontics, emphasizing aspects of the last operative stage of root canal, aiming to have alternatives that allow them information update their knowledge on the area of endodontics (AU)

Improved sealing ability promoted by calcium silicate-based root canal sealers

Aim: This study investigated the sealing ability produced by AH Plus (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstaz, Germany), EndoSequence BC sealer (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA, USA), GuttaFlow (Coltène/Whaledent, Altstätten, France) and MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil). Methdos: A total of forty-six single-root human canines were prepared and randomly divided into four experimental groups (n=10): MTA Fillapex, EndoSequence BC Sealer, AH Plus or GuttaFlow. Teeth with intact crowns served as negative controls (n=3) and teeth filled with only gutta-percha served as positive controls (n=3). Teeth were mounted in a two-chamber apparatus and exposed to Enterococcus faecalis. The number of days over a 60-days period was recorded for the appearance of turbidity in the lower chamber. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the survival curves. The nonparametric log-rank test was used to compare the survival curves using a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results at the end of the observation time were further analyzed by chi-square testing. All positive controls leaked within 24 h, whereas none of the negative controls leaked after 60 days. EndoSequence BC Sealer and MTA Fillapex had significant less bacterial leakage (P<0.05) than the other tested sealers. No significant difference between AH Plus and GuttaFlow was observed (P>0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, calcium-silicate based root canal sealers promoted improved sealing ability when compared to other endodontic sealers

Cytotoxicity Profile of Endodontic Sealers Provided by 3D Cell Culture Experimental Model

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of five endodontic sealers (AH Plus, Endomethasone N, EndoSequence BC, MTA Fillapex and Pulp Canal Sealer EWT) using a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model. A conventional bi-dimensional (2D) cell culture model was used as reference technique for comparison. Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts were cultured in conventional bi-dimensional cell culture and in rat-tail collagen type I three-dimensional cell culture models. Then, both cell cultures were incubated with elutes of freshly mixed endodontic sealers for 24 h. Cell viability was measured by the methyl-thiazol-diphenyltetrazolium assay (MTT). Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and the Tukey test at a significance level of p<0.05. All tested sealers exhibited cytotoxic effects; however, cytotoxic effect was culture model- and sealer-dependent. Sealers showed higher cytotoxicity in 2D than in 3D cell culture model (p<0.05). In both conditions, EndoSequence BC showed the lowest cytotoxicity (p<0.05). MTA Fillapex was much more cytotoxic than the other tested endodontic sealers (p<0.05), with the exception of AH Plus in the 2D cell culture model (p>0.05). Endomethasone N and Pulp Canal Sealer EWT showed lower cytotoxic effects than AH Plus in 2D cell culture model (p<0.05); however no statistical differences was observed among these sealers in 3D cell culture model. It may be concluded that cytotoxicity was higher in 2D cell culture compared to 3D cell culture. EndoSequence BC sealer exhibited the highest cytocompatibility and MTA Fillapex the lowest cytocompatibility.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos citotóxicos de cinco cimentos endodônticos (AH Plus, Endomethasone N, EndoSequence BC, MTA Fillapex e Pulp Canal Sealer EWT) utilizando um modelo de cultura celular tridimensional (3D). Utilizou-se um modelo convencional de cultura de células bidimensionais (2D) como técnica de referência para comparação. Os fibroblastos Balb/c 3T3 foram cultivados em culturas de células bidimensionais convencionais e em modelos de cultura de células tridimensionais de colagéno de cauda de rato do tipo I. Em seguida, ambas as culturas de células foram incubadas com eluções dos cimentos endodônticos recém manipulados, durante 24 h. A viabilidade celular foi medida pelo ensaio de MTT. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente utilizando ANOVA e o teste de Tukey com nível de significância de p<0,05. Todos os cimentos testados exibiram efeitos citotóxicos. Contudo, o efeito citotóxico foi dependente do modelo de cultura e do cimento testado. Os cimentos apresentaram maior citotoxicidade no modelo 2D do que no modelo 3D (p<0,05). Em ambas as condições, a EndoSequence BC apresentou a menor citotoxicidade (p<0,05). MTA Fillapex foi mais citotóxico do que os outros cimentos endodônticos testados (p<0,05), com exceção do AH Plus no modelo de cultura de células 2D (p>0,05). Endomethasone N e EWT mostraram efeitos citotóxicos mais baixos do que AH Plus no modelo de cultura de células 2D (p<0,05); entretanto, não houve diferenças estatísticas entre esses cimentos no modelo de cultura de células 3D. Pode concluir-se que a citotoxicidade foi maior na cultura de células 2D em comparação com a cultura de células 3D. EndoSequence BC selante exibiu a maior citocompatibilidade e MTA Fillapex a menor citocompatibilidade.

Physicochemical Properties and Interfacial Adaptation of Root Canal Sealers

This study compared the physicochemical properties and interfacial adaptation to canal walls of Endo-CPM-Sealer, Sealapex and Activ GP with the well-established AH Plus sealer. The following analyses were performed: radiopacity, pH variation and solubility using samples of each material and scanning electron microscopy of root-filled bovine incisors to evaluate the interfacial adaptation. Data were analyzed by the parametric and no-parametric tests (α=0.05). All materials were in accordance with the ANSI/ADA requirements for radiopacity. Endo-CPM-Sealer presented the lowest radiopacity values and AH Plus was the most radiopaque sealer (p=0.0001). Except for ActiV GP, which was acidic, all other sealers had basic chemical nature and released hydroxyl ions. Regarding solubility, all materials met the ANSI/ADA recommendations, with no statistically significant difference between the sealers (p=0.0834). AH Plus presented the best adaptation to canal walls in the middle (p=0.0023) and apical (p=0.0012) thirds, while the sealers Activ GP and Endo-CPM-Sealer had poor adaptation to the canal walls. All sealers, except for ActiV GP, were alkaline and all of them fulfilled the ANSI/ADA requirements for radiopacity and solubility. Regarding the interfacial adaptation, AH Plus was superior to the others considering the adaptation to the bovine root canal walls.

Este estudo comparou as propriedades físico-químicas e a adaptação interfacial às paredes do canal dos cimentos Endo-CPM-Sealer, Sealapex e Activ GP com o bem estabelecido cimento AH Plus. As seguintes análises foram realizadas: radiopacidade, variação de pH e de solubilidade utilizando amostras de cada material, e microscopia eletrônica de varredura utilizando incisivos bovinos obturados para avaliar a adaptação interfacial. Os dados foram analisados utilizando testes paramétricos e não-paramétricos (α=0,05). Todos os materiais estavam de acordo com os requerimentos da ANSI/ADA para radiopacidade, sendo que o Endo-CPM-Sealer apresentou os menores valores de radiopacidade e o AH Plus foi o cimento mais radiopaco (p=0,0001). Exceto o Activ GP, que foi ácido, todos os outros cimentos apresentaram natureza química básica e liberaram íons hidroxila. Com relação à solubilidade, todos os materiais estavam de acordo com as recomendações da ANSI /ADA, sem diferença significante entre os cimentos (p=0,0834). O AH Plus apresentou a melhor adaptação às paredes do canal nos terços médio (p=0,0023) e apical (p=0,0012), enquanto que os cimentos Activ GP e Endo-CPM-Sealer apresentaram uma pobre adaptação às paredes do canal. Em conclusão, todos os cimentos, exceto o Activ GP, foram alcalinos e todos preencheram os requerimentos da ANSI/ADA para radiopacidade e solubilidade. Com relação à adaptação interfacial, o AH Plus foi superior aos demais para adaptação às paredes do canal radicular de incisivos bovinos.

Cytotoxicity of root canal sealers on endothelial cell cultures

This study evaluated, in vitro, the cytotoxicity of six root canal sealers after 12, 24 and 72 h of contact time, using an endothelial ECV-304 cell line. The MTT assay was used for analysis of cell viability. Twelve specimens of each sealer were prepared and randomly assigned to 6 groups according to the commercial brands (n=4/time). A control group was also formed, which was not subjected to the contact with sealers. To assess the effects of sealers on endothelial cells, the specimens were placed in culture plate wells and incubated at 37°C with 5% CO2 and 100% humidity. MTT assays were performed in quadruplicate after 12, 24 and 72 h of contact of the sealer specimens with monolayers. Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc test at a significance level of 5%. Analysis of absorbance in the experimental groups showed that GuttaFlow presented the lowest cytotoxicity, with a mean absorbance of 0.048, followed by Pulp Canal Sealer (0.038), Sealer 26 (0.038), Endo Densell (0.036) and Pulp Fill (0.035). The control group had a mean absorbance of 0.098. Based on the results, Endofill and GuttaFlow were the most and the least cytotoxic sealers, respectively.

Este estudo avaliou, in vitro, a citotoxicidade de 6 cimentos endodônticos após 12, 24 e 72 h de tempo de contato, utilizando-se uma linhagem de células endoteliais ECV-304. Para a avaliação da viabilidade celular, utilizou-se o teste de citotoxicidade MTT. Para cada cimento foram preparados 12 corpos de prova que foram distribuídos em 6 grupos experimentais de acordo com as marcas comerciais, sendo 4 para cada tempo. Foi criado um grupo controle que não foi submetido à ação de cimento. Para avaliação do efeito dos cimentos sobre as células endoteliais, os corpos de prova foram inseridos nos poços da placa cultura, incubados a 37°C em presença de 5% de CO2 e 100% de umidade. Os testes MTT foram realizados em quadruplicata, após 12, 24 e 72 h de contato das amostras com o tapete celular. Foi utilizada a prova two-way Anova com o teste post hoc de Bonferroni com nível de significância de 5%. Quando analisadas as médias gerais de absorbância dos grupos analisados observou-se que o cimento GuttaFlow se apresentou como o cimento com menor índice de citotoxicidade, apresentando média de absorbência de 0,048. Logo após, apresentando médias de absorbância iguais (0,038) encontraram-se os cimentos Pulp Canal Sealer e Sealer 26; seguidos do Densell Endo e do Pulp Fill, com 0,036 e 0,035, respectivamente. O grupo controle apresentou média de absorbância de 0,098. Portanto, tendo como base os resultados obtidos, pôde-se concluir que o cimento Endofill foi o que apresentou maior citotoxicidade e o cimento GuttaFlow, o menos citotóxico.

A comparative evaluation of cytotoxicity of root canal sealers: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the cytotoxicity of four different root canal sealers i.e. Apexit Plus (Ivoclar Vivadent), Endomethasone N (Septodont), AH-26 (Dentsply) and Pulpdent Root Canal Sealer (Pulpdent), on a mouse fibroblast cell line (L929). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty two discs for each sealer (5 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height) were fabricated in Teflon mould. The sealer extraction was made in cell culture medium (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium, DMEM) using the ratio 1.25 cm2/mL between the surface of the sealer samples and the volume of medium in a shaker incubator. Extraction of each sealer was obtained at 24 hr, 7th day, 14th day, and one month of interval. These extracts were incubated with L929 cell line and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was done. Two-way ANOVA for interaction effects between sealer and time and Post-hoc multiple comparison using Tukey's test across all the 16 different groups were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Apexit Plus root canal sealer was significantly less toxic than other sealers (p < 0.05) and showed higher cellular growth than control. Endomethasone N showed mild cytotoxicity. AH-26 showed severe toxicity which became mild after one month while Pulpdent Root Canal Sealer showed severe to moderate toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Apexit Plus was relatively biocompatible sealer as compared to other three sealers which were cytotoxic at their initial stages, however, they became biocompatible with time.

Simulation of soft and hard tissues and its effects on radiopacity of root canal sealers / Simulação de tecidos moles e duros e seus efeitos na radopacidade de cimentos endodônticos

PURPOSE: To simulate soft and hard tissues to assess radiopacity of three root canal sealers (Endofill, AH Plus and Sealer 26). METHODS: Five circular specimens (10x1 mm) were made and three experimental conditions were created. Situation #1: an aluminum step wedge allowed specimen being submitted to three digital radiographs. Situation #2: a retromolar mandibular segment containing the specimen was positioned between the digital sensor and X-ray machine. Situation #3: a soft tissue simulating material (utility wax - 30 mm) was associated with the mandibular segment. Mean gray values were measured using ImageTool 3.0 software. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05) was performed. RESULTS: Radiopacity increased when bone tissue was used (P<0.05), except for AH Plus. Situation #3 provided greater radiopacity (P<0.05). Radiopacity between most and least sealers decreased 44% when Situation #1 and #3 were compared. CONCLUSION: Simulated soft and hard tissues influenced the radiopacity of root canal sealers.

OBJETIVO: Simular tecidos moles e duros para avaliar a radiopacidade de três cimentos endodônticos. METODOLOGIA: Cinco espécimes circulares (10x1 mm) foram confeccionados e três situações experimentais foram criadas. Situação #1: espécime e uma escala de alumínio foram submetidos a 3 tomadas radiográficas digitais. Situação #2: um segmento retromolar de uma mandibula humana contendo o espécime foi posicionada entre o aparelho de raio X e o sensor digital. Situação #3: um simulador de tecido mole (cera utilidade - 30 mm) foi associado ao segmento mandibular. A média dos valores de cinza foi medida através do programa ImageTool 3.0. Análise de variância de dois critérios e Teste de Tukey (α=0.05) foram realizados para análise estatística. RESULTADOS: A radiopacidade aumentou quando tecido ósseo foi usado (P<0.05), exceto para o Ah Plus. A Situação #3 proporcionou os maiores valores de radiopacidade (P<0.05). Os valores de radiopacidade entre o cimento mais e o menos radiopaco diminuiu 44% quando as situações #1 e #3 foram comparadas. CONCLUSÃO: A simulação de tecidos moles e duros influencia a radiopacidade de cimentos endodônticos.

Comparative assessment of the flow rate of root canal sealers / Estudo comparativo do escoamento de cimentos obturadores endodônticos

Purpose: This study evaluated the flow rate of the Acroseal, AH Plus, Endomethasone N, Sealapex, and ActiV GP according to the standards of the ISO specification 6876/2001. Methods: A volume of 0.05 mL of the cement mixed according to the manufacturer's recommendations was placed on a glass plate. At 180±5 s after the commencement of mixing, the second glass plate was placed on top of the sealer, followed by the weight of mass approximately 100 g to make a total mass on the plate of 120±2 g. Ten min after the start of mixing, the weight was removed and the value of the diameter of the compressed disc of sealer was measured. The mean of three such determinations for each sealer was taken as the flow of the material. The mean values were compared using ANOVA and Tukey's tests. Results: The results obtained were: Acroseal 21.24 mm, AH Plus 22.72 mm, ActiV GP 24.90 mm, Endomethasone N 18.76 mm, and Sealapex 25.15 mm. Conclusion: Only the Endomethasone N did not conform to ISO Specification that requires that a sealer shall have a diameter of not less than 20 mm. The Sealapex achieved the greatest flow, but it did not differ from Activ GP and AH Plus (P>0.5).

Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou o escoamento do Acroseal, AH Plus, Endomethasone N, Sealapex e ActiV GP de acordo com a especificação ISO 6876/2001. Metodologia: Um volume de 0,05 mL do cimento manipulado de acordo com as recomendações do fabricante foi colocado numa placa de vidro. Aos 180±5 s após o início da espatulação, uma segunda placa de vidro foi colocada sobre o cimento, seguida por um peso de massa de 100 g para fazer um total de 120±2 g. Dez minutos após o começo da manipulação o peso foi removido e o valor do diâmetro do disco de cimento foi mensurado. A média de 3 mensurações para cada cimento foi tomada como o escoamento do material. Os dados foram comparados estatisticamente pelos testes ANOVA e Tukey. Resultados: Os escoamentos obtidos foram: Acroseal 21.,4 mm, AH Plus 22,72 mm, ActiV GP 24,90 mm, Endomethasone N 18,76 mm e Sealapex 25,15 mm. Conclusão: Apenas o Endomethasone N não se enquadrou na especificação ISO a qual requer que o cimento tenha um diâmetro não inferior a 20 mm. O Sealapex alcançou o melhor escoamento, mas não foi estatisticamente diferente do Activ GP e AH Plus (P>0,05).

In vitro analysis of the cement film thickness of two endodontic sealers in the apical region.

Objectives : The objective of the present study was to evaluate in vitro film thickness of two endodontic sealers containing epoxy-resin and zinc-oxide-eugenol, respectively in the apical region of the root canal system. Materials and Methods : A total of 20 palatine roots of the first maxillary molars were submitted to instrumentation up to a #40 file by the step-back technique and irrigated with 2 ml of NaOCl after each change of file. The roots were divided at random into two groups of 10 elements; one group was sealed with the Sealer 26® cement and the other one with the EndoFill® cement using the classical technique. The roots were abraded in the apical region until exposure of the filling and cut crosswise at 3 mm to obtain samples. The samples were analyzed by optic microscopy with 40X magnification. The images obtained were recorded using the Adobe Premiere 5.1® software and submitted to morphometric analysis using an integration grid that permitted the quantification of the area filled with the sealer or gutta-percha, and eventual empty spaces. Results : Statistical analysis of the data (Kruskal-Wallis test, P < 0.05) revealed no significant differences between the epoxy-resin-based cement Sealer 26® (47.85%) and the zinc- oxide- eugenol-based cement EndoFill® (54.16%). Conclusion : We conclude that the two sealers tested showed a similar behavior regarding the cement film thickness in the apical region.

Comparison of three root canal sealers by using fluid filtration model / 实用口腔医学杂志

This article was to study the micro-leakage of 3 different root canal sealers (Endomethasone, AH-Plus and GuttaFlow) by fluid filtration test, and to observe the micro-structure between walls of root canal and the sealers by SEM. The results indicated that the micro-leakage of GuttaFlow was the least and Endomethasone was the most. Statistics difference were found between all the groups. Different root canal sealer got different micro-structure between walls of root canal and sealers. So we consider that the canal sealing ability of GuttaFlow is the best among these sealers.

Apical and periapical tissues responses afterroot canal obturation with two calcium hydroxid based sealers in dogs teeth / Reações teciduais apicais e periapicais quandoda obturação de canais radiculares de cães por dois cimentos contendo hidróxido de cálcio

Introduction: At the ending of endodontic treatment, is very important that the choice of root canal’s sealer will be done by biological compatibility criterial, which could promote less inflammation, turning quicker and more effective the healing process. Objective and material and methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical and periapical tissues reactions in dog’s teeth, after pulpectomy and root canal’s cleaning and shaping, which limit was the fisiological barrier of delta apical, and filling with gutta-percha and two calcium hydroxide based endodontics sealers, Sealapex® and Apexit®, by those hystopatological events in observation periods of 7, 21 and 45 days, making a comparison of inflammatory reactions and reparacional evolution that both materials promoted. Past all periods, the dogs were killed and histological cuts of teeth were obtained. Results: Through qualitative-quantitative analysis, Sealapex showed inflammatory level among mild and moderate in all periods, having a great improvement in healing process at 45 days. There was a biggest dispersion of Apexit in periapical tissue, which caused an intense macrophage activity, raising inflammatory level in last period. Conclusion: Regardless of the sealer used, there were observed necrosis in a few of delta apical’s ramifications, being mostly in tooth filling by Apexit. In both ways, Sealapex showed best results than Apexit, about increased inflammatory reaction and healing process.

Introdução: No término do tratamento endodôntico é imprescindível que a escolha dos componentes da obturação seja feita com critério em relação à compatibilidade biológica, visando tornar o processo de reparação mais rápido e efetivo. Objetivo e material e métodos: Este estudo teve o propósito de analisar as reações teciduais apicais e periapicais em prémolares de cães, após pulpectomia e preparo químico-cirúrgico, cujo limite foi definido em nível do delta apical, e obturação com cones de gutapercha e dois cimentos contendo hidróxido de cálcio – Sealapex® e Apexit®. Foram analisados os eventos histopatológicos em períodos de 7, 21 e 45 dias, a fim de comparar os fenômenos de inflamação e de reparação. Decorridos os períodos de observação, os cães foram sacrificados, e as peças, processadas para análise histológica. Resultados: Empregandose análise quantitativa-qualitativa, verificou-se que o cimento Sealapex® promoveu inflamação entre discreta e moderada em todos os períodos, que evoluiu para reparação aos 45 dias. Houve maior dispersão do cimento Apexit® no tecido periapical, que promoveu intensa atividade macrofágica na área, ampliando os fenômenos de inflamação, mesmo aos 45 dias. Conclusão: Ambos os cimentos provocaram necrose em algumas ramificações do delta apical, ocorrendo porém em maior número nos dentes obturados com Apexit®. Da comparação entre o emprego dos dois cimentos, o Sealapex® foi o que apresentou melhor tolerância tecidual e, por conseqüência, evolução de reparação mais favorável.

Avaliação da estabilidade dimensional de alguns cimentos endodônticos nacionais contendo óxido de zinco e eugenol / Evaluation of the dimensional stability of somenational root canal sealers containing zincoxide and eugenol

Introdução e objetivo: A estabilidade dimensional dos cimentos endodônticos contendo óxido de zinco e eugenol Endofill®, Intrafill®, Cimento de Rickert®, Pulp-Fill® e Target® foi avaliada mediante o uso da especificação n.º 57 da American Dental Association. Material e métodos: A estabilidade foi avaliada por meio da média aritmética de 5 medições, realizadas com paquímetro, do comprimento dos corpos-de-prova, antes e após estes terem sido imersos por 30 dias em recipientes com água destilada e deionizada a 37°C. Resultados: Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente pelos testes de Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney no nível de significância de 5%. Os cimentos Endofill®, Cimento de Rickert® e Pulp-Fill® demonstraram contração de acordo com o preconizado. Conclusão: Apesar de apresentarem resultados compatíveis com a necessidade clínica, os cimentos Target® e Intrafill® tiveram expansão maior do que a preconizada pela especificação 57.

Introduction and objective: Dimensional stability of the root canal sealers containing Endofill®, Intrafill®, Cimento de Rickert®, Pulp-Fill® and Target® was evaluated through the American Dental Association Specification n.o 57. Material and methods: The stability was evaluated through the arithmetic average of 5 measurements realized with pachymeter, of the sample length, before and after they have been immersed for 30 days in recipients filled with distilled deionized water at 37°C. Results: The results were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney statistical tests (p<0,05). Endofill®, Cimento de Rickert® and Pulp-Fill® showed contraction within the specifications allowance. Conclusion: Although showing compatible results with the clinical necessity, Target® and Intrafill® sealers expanded exceding the specification tolerance.

Effect of calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing on the bond strength of a resin-based endodontic sealer

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the bond strength of Epiphany™ resin-based sealer to dentin walls after placement of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] dressings. Fifteen extracted single-rooted human teeth were instrumented using 2.5 percent NaOCl + EDTA as irrigants. The teeth were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=5), according to the intracanal dressing: G1= Ca(OH)2 + saline; G2= Ca(OH)2 + 2 percent chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) gel; and G3= saline (control). After 10 days of storage in 100 percent humidity at 37ºC, the dressings were removed and the root canals were filled with Epiphany™ sealer. After additional 48 h of storage, the specimens were sectioned transversally into 2-mm-thick discs. Push-out tests were performed (1 mm/min, Instron 4411) and the maximum loads at failure were recorded in MPa. One-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls tests showed a statistically significant decrease in bond strength when a Ca(OH)2 dressing was used before root canal filling with Epiphany™ (G1= 10.18 ± 1.99 and G2= 9.98 ± 2.97) compared to the control group (13.82 ± 3.9) (p< 0.05). It may be concluded that the use of Ca(OH)2 as an intracanal dressing material affected the adhesion of Epiphany™ to the root canal walls, but even though the values were within the acceptable range found in the literature.

O objetivo desse estudo in vitro foi avaliar a resistência de união do cimento resinoso Epiphany™ às paredes dentinárias após aplicação de pastas de hidróxido de cálcio [Ca(OH)2]. Quinze dentes humanos uniradiculares foram igualmente instrumentados sob irrigação com as soluções de NaOCl 2,5 por cento + EDTA. Os dentes foram divididos em três grupos (n=5) e tratados com diferentes pastas de Ca(OH)2: G1= Ca(OH)2 + soro fisiológico; G2= Ca(OH)2 + 2 por cento CHX e G3= tratado apenas com soro fisiológico (grupo controle). Após 10 dias de armazenamento a 37°C e 100 por cento de umidade, as medicações foram removidas e os dentes obturados com o cimento Epiphany. Passadas 48 horas de armazenamento adicional, as amostras foram seccionadas tranversalmente em discos de 2 mm de espessura. Os testes de resistência de união (push-out) foram realizados em máquina de ensaio mecânico (1 mm/min) e os resultados expressos em MPa. Os testes de ANOVA e Newman-Keuls mostraram um significante decréscimo nos valores de resistência de união quando as pastas de Ca(OH)2 foram utilizadas (10,18 ± 1,99 e 9,98 ± 2,97) em comparação ao grupo controle (13,82 ± 3,9) (p<0,05). Pode-se concluir que o uso do Ca(OH)2 como medicação intracanal diminuiu a adesão do cimento Epiphany™ às paredes dos canais radiculares, embora os valores de resistência de união estejam dentro das médias aceitáveis encontradas na literatura.

Influência do cimento obturador no sucesso endodôntico / Influence of the endodontic sealer in the success

Avaliou-se em estudos longitudinais a influência do cimento obturador no sucesso endodôntico, pormeio de revisão sistemática. Utilizou-se de fontes de catalogação bibliográfica identificadas eletronicamentepor MEDLINE (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed), de 1966 até 14 de Janeiro de 2008. Como estratégiade busca empregou-se os termos - Sealapex or AH Plus or Epiphany or Kerr Pulp Canal Sealer or GrossmanSealer or Sealer 26. A busca apresentou 456 artigos relacionados. Dos 132 estudos in vivo, 1 estudo satisfezos critérios de inclusão. Os cimentos contendo hidróxido ou óxido de cálcio mostraram bom desempenho noprocesso de reparo clínico-radiográfico com elevada taxa de sucesso.

The longitudinal studies about biological sealing provided by the endodontic sealer were evaluated,through the systematic review. It was used sources of bibliographic catalogation identified electronically byMEDLINE (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed), from 1966 until 14th January 2008. As searching strategythe following terms were used - Sealapex or AH Plus or Epiphany or Kerr Pulp Canal Sealer, or GrossmanSealer or Sealer 26. The searching presented 456 related articles. From 132 in vivo studies, 1 study satisfiedthe inclusion criteria, what possibilitated the data analysis. It can be inferred that, the sealers containing calciumhydroxide or calcium oxide show good results on endodontic success.

Effectiveness of a silicon-based root canal sealer for filling of simulated lateral canals

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the ability of a silicon-based root canal sealer, compared to zinc oxide and eugenol and an epoxy resin-based sealers, for filling of simulated lateral canals. Thirty extracted single-rooted human teeth were selected, conventional access was made and the working length was established 1 mm from the apical foramen. Three simulated lateral canals, one in each root third (coronal, middle and apical) were prepared in both the mesial and distal surfaces of each tooth using a size 15 reamer adapted to a low-speed handpiece. Each root canal was instrumented using ProTaper rotary files up to file F3 at the working length, and then irrigated with 2.5 percent NaOCl followed by EDTA. The teeth were assigned to 3 groups (n=10), according to the root canal sealer: Roeko Seal (Group 1), Sealer 26 (group 2) and Grossman's sealer (Group 3). Gutta-percha cold lateral condensation technique was performed in all groups. Postoperative radiographs were taken and the images were projected for evaluation of the quality of lateral canal filling. Data were submitted to statistical analysis by Kruskal Wallis test at 5 percent significance level. The results showed that Grossman's sealer filled a larger number of lateral canals than Roeko Seal (p<0.05) and Sealer 26 (p<0.01). It may be concluded that Roeko Seal silicone-based root canal sealer was not as effective as the Grossman's sealer for filling of simulated lateral canals. The lateral canals localized in the apical third of the root were more difficult to be filled.

O objetivo desse estudo in vitro foi avaliar a capacidade de um cimento a base de silicone, em obturar canais laterais simulados, em comparação a um cimento à base de oxido de zinco e eugenol e um cimento resinoso. Trinta dentes humanos unirradiculares extraídos foram selecionados, a abertura coronária foi feita e o comprimento de trabalho foi determinado 1 mm aquém do forame apical. Foram confeccionados três canais laterais, um em cada terço radicular, em ambas as faces mesial e distal da raiz, usando um alargador 15 acoplado a um contra-ângulo em baixa rotação. Os canais foram instrumentados com sistema Protaper até a lima F3, sob irrigação com hipoclorito de sódio a 2,5 por cento, seguido de EDTA. Os dentes foram divididos em 3 grupos (n=10) e obturados com o cimento de Grossman, RoekoSeal ou Sealer 26, pela técnica da condensação lateral da gutta-percha. Foram feitas tomadas radiografias pós-operatórias, projetadas em aumentos de 20X para avaliação da qualidade das obturações. Os dados foram analisados estaticamente pelo teste de Kruskal Wallis com nível de significância de 5 por cento. Os resultados mostraram que o cimento de Grossman obturou um numero maior de canais laterais que o cimento RoekoSeal (p<0,05) e o Sealer 26 (p<0,01). Pode-se concluir que o cimento Roeko Seal não foi tão eficiente quanto o cimento de Grossman para o selamento de canais laterais, bem como, que os canais laterais situados no terço apical da raiz apresentaram maior dificuldade para serem obturados.