Comparative scanning electron microscopy evaluation of Canal Brushing technique, sonic activation, and master apical file for the removal of triple antibiotic paste from root canal (in vitro study).

AIMS: To compare and evaluate the effectiveness of Canal Brushing technique, sonic activation, and master apical file (MAF) for the removal of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) from root canal using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two single rooted teeth were instrumented with ProTaper up to the size number F2 and dressed with TAP. TAP was removed with Canal Brush technique (Group I, n: 6), sonic (EndoActivator) (Group II, n: 6), and MAF (Group III, n: 6). Four teeth served as positive (n: 2) and negative (n: 2) controls. The roots were split in the buccolingual direction and prepared for SEM examination (×1000) at coronal, middle, and apical third. Three examiners evaluated the wall cleanliness. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was performed by Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS: Difference in cleanliness between three groups is statistically significant in cervical region only. Pairwise comparison in cervical region Canal Brush and sonic activation showed more removal of TAP than MAF. CONCLUSIONS: Canal Brush and sonic activation system showed better result than MAF in the cervical and middle third of canal. In the apical third, none of the techniques showed a better result. None of the techniques showed complete removal of TAP from the canal.

Comparison of sealing ability of ProRoot MTA, RetroMTA, and Biodentine as furcation repair materials: An ultraviolet spectrophotometric analysis.

AIM: To evaluate the sealing ability of ProRooT MTA, RetroMTA, and Biodentine as furcation repair materials using dye extraction leakage method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five mandibular molars were randomly divided into four groups according to the material used for perforation repair. Group I - ProRoot MTA (10 samples), Group II - RetroMTA (10 samples), Group III - Biodentine (10 samples), and Group IV (Control) - left unrepaired (5 samples). All samples were subjected to orthograde and retrograde Methylene blue dye challenge followed by dye extraction with concentration 65% nitric acid. Samples were then analyzed using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer using 550 nm wave lengths. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: One-way analysis of variance, Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons test. RESULTS: Biodentine showed least dye absorbance while RetroMTA showed highest dye absorbance values when compared with other repair materials. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it was observed that Biodentine showed better sealing ability when compared with other root repair materials.