Nanostructured ZnO thin film to enhance gutta-percha's adhesion to endodontic sealers.

BACKGROUND: Gutta-percha (GP) combined with an endodontic sealer is still the core material most widely used for tridimensional obturation. The sealer acts as a bonding agent between the GP and the root dentinal walls. However, one of the main drawbacks of GP core material is the lack of adhesiveness to the sealer. ZnO thin films have many remarkable features due to their considerable bond strength, good optical quality, and excellent piezoelectric, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, offering many potential applications in various fields. This study aimed to explore the influence of GP surface's functionalization with a nanostructured ZnO thin film on its adhesiveness to endodontic sealers. METHODS: Conventional GP samples were divided randomly into three groups: (a) Untreated GP (control); (b) GP treated with argon plasma (PT); (c) Functionalized GP (PT followed by ZnO thin film deposition). GP's surface functionalization encompassed a multi-step process. First, a low-pressure argon PT was applied to modify the GP surface, followed by a ZnO thin film deposition via magnetron sputtering. The surface morphology was assessed using SEM and water contact angle analysis. Further comprehensive testing included tensile bond strength assessment evaluating Endoresin and AH Plus Bioceramic sealers' adhesion to GP. ANOVA procedures were used for data statistical analysis. RESULTS: The ZnO thin film reproduced the underlying surface topography produced by PT. ZnO thin film deposition decreased the water contact angle compared to the control (p < 0.001). Endoresin showed a statistically higher mean bond strength value than AH Plus Bioceramic (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the control and the ZnO-functionalized GP (p = 0.006), with the latter presenting the highest mean bond strength value. CONCLUSIONS: The deposition of a nanostructured ZnO thin film on GP surface induced a shift towards hydrophilicity and an increased GP's adhesion to Endoresin and AH Bioceramic sealers.

Nanoleakage of apical sealing using a calcium silicate-based sealer according to canal drying methods.

Objectives: This study investigated the nanoleakage of root canal obturations using calcium silicate-based sealer according to different drying methods. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two extracted mandibular premolars with a single root canal and straight root were selected for this study. After canal preparation with a nickel-titanium rotary file system, the specimens were randomly divided into 4 groups according to canal drying methods (1: complete drying, 2: blot drying/distilled water, 3: blot drying/NaOCl, 4: aspiration only). The root canals were obturated using a single-cone filling technique with a calcium silicate-based sealer. Nanoleakage was evaluated using a nanoflow device after 24 hours, 1 week, and 1 month. Data were collected twice per second at the nanoscale and measured in nanoliters per second. Data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests (p < 0.05). Results: The mean flow rate measured after 24 hours showed the highest value among the time periods in all groups. However, the difference in the flow rate between 1 week and 1 month was not significant. The mean flow rate of the complete drying group was the highest at all time points. After 1 month, the mean flow rate in the blot drying group and the aspiration group was not significantly different. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the canal drying method had a significant effect on leakage and sealing ability in root canal obturations using a calcium silicate-based sealer. Thus, a proper drying procedure is critical in endodontic treatment.

Efficacy of root-end filling techniques using premixed putty type bioceramic cements: an ex vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: Currently, premixed putty-type bioceramic cements (PPBCs) have become popular materials for root-end fillings. This study investigated three root-end filling techniques using PPBCs and calcium silicate-based sealers including EDTA pretreatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety root segments were prepared and standardized with an artificial fin and lateral canal, and assigned to three groups (n = 30). Root-end fillings were placed using BC-RRM Putty alone (Group PA), injection of BC sealer followed by BC-RRM Putty (Lid Technique: Group LT) or BC-RRM Putty with BC sealer coating (Deep putty packing technique: Group DP). Half of each group was pretreated with 17% EDTA. The radiographic images of the specimens were assessed by five graders and push-out bond strength tests were conducted. The data were analyzed with a general linear model including two-way ANOVA and chi-square test at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: DP approach demonstrated significantly higher bond strength than LT (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in bond strength between PA and either DP or LT. EDTA pretreatment had no significant effect on push-out bond strength. Radiographically, for the main canal, PA and DP scored significantly higher than LT. In the fin, PA scored significantly higher than others (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study highlights variations in root-end filling techniques. Injecting a bulk of bioceramic sealer before the placement of PPBCs may reduce bond strength and radiopacity. The application of PPBCs alone or in the deep putty technique demonstrates potential for favorable outcomes. EDTA pretreatment did not enhance bond-strength. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Careful selection and application of bioceramic materials and techniques in root-end fillings may influence the outcome of endodontic root-end surgery. When PPBCs and calcium silicate-based sealers are used together for root-end fillings, sealer followed by deep putty application may offer improved bond strength and radiographic fill compared to the lid technique.

Comparative Evaluation of Push-out Bond Strength of Three Different Root Canal Sealers: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of this present study was to compare the dislodgement resistance of calcium silicate-based sealer, zinc oxide sealer, and a new sealer combining both zinc oxide and calcium silicate-based sealer in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 single-rooted human teeth were instrumented with F3 Protaper Gold. All endodontic canals were filled using gutta percha cones using the cold lateral condensation technique in combination using one of the mentioned sealers (n = 20 per group). The teeth were divided into three groups: group A consisted of Sealite® Ultra, group B consisted of K-Sealer®, and group C consisted of BioRoot® RC. After 2 months of incubation (37°C, 100% humidity) and after cutting out 2 mm from the most apical portion of the root apex, six slices of 1 mm thickness were generated. Mechanical dislodgement resistance was examined using a universal pressure-testing machine and the push-out bond strength (POBS) was calculated. Specimens were examined under 20× magnification to define the bond failure mode. Statistical analysis was executed using ANOVA, post hoc Turkey test for pairwise comparisons and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: The POBS of BioRoot® was significantly higher than the POBS of the two other sealers with a mean of 10.54 MPa ± 2.10 and 5.73 MPa ± 2.34, respectively (p < 0.001). Sealite® and K-Sealer® showed similar results in the median and coronal part. K-Sealer® revealed highest POBS compared with Sealite® in the apical part (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The POBS of the zinc oxide and calcium silicate-based sealer was significantly lower compared with calcium silicate. Sealite® and K-Sealer® exhibited almost same results. BioRoot showed the highest POBS of all sealers. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The current study was needed to evaluate the bond strength of three different cements to dentinal walls, by evaluating their respective POBS in vitro. The findings of this study may provide guidance for the clinician in the selection of an adequate endodontic sealer that guarantees an enhanced adhesive seal between the Gutta-percha and the dentinal canal walls. How to cite this article: Makhlouf MP, El Helou JD, Zogheib CE, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Push-out Bond Strength of Three Different Root Canal Sealers: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(1):15-19.

Comparison of the dentin tubule penetration of AH Plus, WellRoot ST, and MTA BioSeal after obturation, retreatment, and re-shaping of the root canals.

It was aimed to compare the dentine tubule penetration of AH Plus, MTA Bioseal, and WellRoot ST after filling, retreating, and reshaping the root canals by using a novel microscopic method. Seventy-five mandibular incisors with single root canals were shaped with Protaper Next system (PTN; X2-25/0.06) The teeth were obturated with AH Plus labeled with Rhodamin B and MTA Bioseal or WellRoot ST sealer which were labeled with Fluo-3. Then the root canal fillings were removed with Protaper Universal Retreatment files. At the last stage, the teeth were reshaped with PTN (X3-30/0.07). The samples were transversally sectioned and examined using a Cytation 5 reader and Gen5 software regarding the mean and the maximum depth of sealer penetration. No significant difference was observed between the groups, except for the 6 mm level after reshaping the root canals (p < .05). It is not possible to completely remove the sealer remnants from the dentin walls even after reshaping the root canals. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Even after reshaping the root canals in the retreatment procedure, it is not possible to completely remove the filling residues of the epoxy-resin-based, calcium-silicate-based and MTA-based endodontic pastes from the dentin walls.

Evaluation of Sealer Remnants Using a Bioceramic Sealer Single-cone Technique after Post Space Preparation and its Influence on the Adhesion of Fibre Posts in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To compare calcium silicate-based endodontic sealer and epoxy resin-based sealer remnants on root canal walls after post space preparation and their influence on the bond strength of fibre posts fixed with a dual-cured resin cement. METHODS: Thirty-six extracted single-root mandibular premolars were instrumented and divided randomly into two equal groups with different endodontic sealers. iRoot SP (Innovative BioCeramix, Vancouver, Canada) was employed in the experimental group and AH Plus (Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC, USA) was used in the control group. Sealer remnants were observed under an endodontic microscope after root canal therapy and post space preparation. Fibre posts were fixed with dual-cured resin cement. Specimens were taken at each third of the post space. The push-out bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine and fracture modes were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent samples t test and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in bond strength of fibre posts between the control and experimental group (P > 0.05); however, sealer remnants were observed in 38.9% of the samples treated with iRoot SP and none of the samples treated with AH Plus. The major fracture mode in samples treated with iRoot SP was adhesive failure between the resin cement and the post, and no adhesive failure between the resin cement and dentine occurred at the site of the sealer remnant. The presence of iRoot SP remnants on the root canal walls after post space preparation did not interfere with bonding. CONCLUSION: iRoot SP is a viable option for root canal obturation before fibre post cementation.

Evaluation of the Impact of Calcium Silicate-Based Sealer Insertion Technique on Root Canal Obturation Quality: A Micro-Computed Tomography Study.

BACKGROUND: Calcium silicate-based sealers have gained in popularity over time due to their physicochemical/biological properties and their possible use with single-cone obturation. The single cone technique is a sealer-based obturation and there is still a knowledge gap regarding the potential impact of the sealer insertion method on the root canal-filling quality. Therefore, the aim of this micro-CT study was to assess the impact of the calcium silicate-based sealer insertion technique on void occurrence and on the sealer extrusion following single-cone obturation. METHODS: Thirty-six single-rooted mandibular premolars with one canal were shaped with Reciproc® R25 (VDW, Munich, Germany) then divided randomly into four groups of nine canals, each depending on the TotalFill® BC Sealer insertion technique used with single cone obturation: injection in the coronal two-thirds (group A); injection in the coronal two-thirds followed by direct sonic activation (group B); injection in the coronal two-thirds followed by indirect ultrasonic activation on tweezers (group C); sealer applied only on the master-cone (control group D). Samples were then scanned using micro-CT for voids and sealer extrusion calculation. Data were statistically analyzed using v.26 IBM; Results: No statistically significant differences were noted between the four groups in terms of voids; nevertheless, sonic activation (group B) followed by ultrasonic activation on the tweezers (group C) showed the best results (p = 0.066). Group D showed significantly less sealer extrusion when compared with group C (p = 0.044), with no statistically significant differences between groups D, A and B (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite no significant differences observed between the different sealer placement techniques, the use of sonic and ultrasonic activation might be promising to reduce void occurrence. Further investigations are needed to demonstrate the potential benefit of calcium silicate-based sealer activation especially in wide and oval root canals in order to improve the quality of the single-cone obturation.

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of various types of endodontic sealers in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells.

This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of five endodontic sealers (AH Plus, MTA Fillapex, Endoseal MTA, Sealapex, and Zinc oxide eugenol) in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to check cell viability at 1, 3, and 7 days. Genotoxicity was assessed by cytokinesis-block micronucleus, single-cell gel electrophoresis, and γH2AX immunofluorescence assays. Cell viability of all endodontic sealers, except Endoseal MTA, on day 1 was less than 100%. Endoseal MTA showed the highest cell viability on day 7. AH Plus and Endoseal MTA showed less DNA damage than other sealers. After complete setting, AH Plus and Endoseal MTA showed low genotoxicity, which could reduce DNA damage in periapical cells, making them suitable as endodontic sealers.

The Effects of Calcium Silicate- and Calcium Hydroxide-based Root Canal Sealers on Postoperative Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the postoperative pain level changes resulting from using calcium silicate- (EndoSeal MTA) and calcium hydroxide-based (Sealapex) root canal sealers in mandibular first and second molar teeth with symptomatic apical periodontitis. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with symptomatic apical periodontitis in their lower molar teeth were randomly allocated into 2 groups according to sealer type (n = 30). Demographic data, including gender, age, and smoking habit, and preoperative pain measures were recorded. Root canal treatments were performed in a single visit. Postoperative pain measurements and analgesic intake were measured at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours and after 3, 5, and 7 days using the visual analog scale. The data were statistically analyzed using a chi-squared test (to compare gender, age, smoking habit, analgesic intake, and sealer extrusion), the Mann-Whitney U test (to compare pain levels), Friedman tests (for the evaluations of the reduction in pain levels over time), and Spearman's correlation test (to analyze the relationships of age, gender, smoking habit factors with postoperative pain) (P = .05). RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the groups in postoperative pain and analgesic intake at any of the time intervals evaluated (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with calcium silicate- and calcium hydroxide-based root canal sealers experienced similar postoperative pain and no statistically significant differences were observed in analgesic intake.

Dentinal Tubule Penetrability and Bond Strength of Two Novel Calcium Silicate-Based Root Canal Sealers.

BACKGROUND: Once the chemo-mechanical preparation of root canals is finished, achieving a complete seal of the root canal system becomes crucial in determining the long-term success of endodontic treatment. The important goals of root canal obturation are to minimize leakage and achieve an adequate seal. Thus, a material that possesses satisfactory mechanical characteristics, is biocompatible, and has the ability to penetrate the dentine tubules adequately is needed. AIM: This study aimed to compare the penetrability and bond strength between two calcium silicate-based sealers and an epoxy resin-based sealer, as well as examine the relationship between penetrability and bond strength for the different sealers. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Thirty-nine recently extracted single-rooted human premolar teeth were instrumented and divided evenly into three groups (n = 13), according to the sealer used for obturation: AH Plus Jet, EndoSequence, and AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer. Three teeth (30 slices) were randomly selected out of each for analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy to assess penetrability. The remaining ten teeth (90 slices) in each group were subject to push-out tests using a universal testing machine. All teeth were sectioned into nine transverse slices of 0.9 mm thickness for their respective tests (apical, middle, coronal). RESULTS: AH Plus Jet exhibited significantly lower penetrability and significantly higher bond strength compared to EndoSequence BC sealer (p = 0.002) and AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer (p = 0.006). There was no significant difference between EndoSequence BC sealer and AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer in terms of either penetrability or bond strength. No correlation was found between penetrability and bond strength. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this study and regardless of the location in the canal, the bioceramic based root canal sealers appeared to perform better than the epoxy resin-based sealer in terms of dentinal penetration rate. Further studies are required to compare other biomechanical properties of bioceramic sealers including setting characteristics and bacterial leakage.

Comparative evaluation of the effect of calcium silicate and epoxy resinbased root canal sealers on postoperative pain in patients with primary endodontic lesion: A randomized clinical study.

Introduction: This study's objective was to assess and compare postoperative pain response between bioceramic sealer (Nishika BG) and epoxy resin based (AH Plus) in patients with primary endodontic lesion at time interval of 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Materials and Methods: The study included 40 individuals with necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis. Calcium hydroxide was administered as the intracanal medication during the two-visit endodontic therapy. They were subsequently allocated randomly to either the AH Plus root canal sealer or the Nishika Canal Sealer BG, with a total of 20 participants in each group. Patients were told to use a VAS to rate their postoperative pain severity as none, minimal, moderate, or severe after 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days following obturation using the appropriate sealers. Results: Nishika Canal Sealer BG (CS-BG) has a lower pain score as compared to the AH Plus group at 24-h time point. VAS ratings for both the groups decreased over time. According to the intergroup analysis, there was a significant difference in postoperative pain at the 24 h (P = 0.022), but not at the 48 h or 7 days (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Although bioceramic sealer (Nishika Canal Sealer BG) resulted in significantly lower levels of pain as compared to epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus) at 24-h interval, there was no significant difference of postoperative pain at 48-h interval and 7-day period.

Calcium Silicate-based Sealer Extrusion into the Mandibular Canal: 3 Different Recovery Outcomes-A Report of 3 Cases.

The use of calcium silicate-based sealers (CSSs) is increasing in dentistry as a result of their favorable properties. The inadvertent extrusion of these sealers into the mandibular canal (MC) can result in temporary or permanent neurosensory alterations. Three different recovery outcomes of CSS extrusion into the MC after endodontic treatment of mandibular molars confirmed by cone-beam computed tomographic imaging are described. In Case 1, CSS from the mesiolingual canal of tooth #31 was extruded into the MC during obturation. The patient reported paresthesia. The symptoms of paresthesia were completely resolved by 9 months. In Case 2, CSS from the mesial canals of tooth #30 was extruded into the MC during obturation. A "plasmalike spreading pattern" of the extruded sealer was observed on the radiographs. The patient reported paresthesia and dysesthesia. In addition, the patient complained of hyperalgesia with heat and mechanical allodynia. The symptoms continued to persist during follow-up. At 22 months, the patient still reported persistent paresthesia, hyperalgesia, and mechanical allodynia, affecting the ability to eat. In Case 3, CSS from the distal canal of tooth #31 was extruded into the MC during obturation. The patient did not report any paresthesia or dysesthesia. All 3 patients elected a follow-up approach and monitoring rather than surgical intervention. These cases illustrate the need for the development of guidelines for the management of iatrogenic CSS extrusion into the MC because such an occurrence may result in permanent, temporary, or no neurosensory alterations.

Influence of Phosphoric Acid Etching on Bond Strength for Calcium Silicate-Based Sealers.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the microtensile bond strength of calcium silicate-based sealers and epoxy resin-based sealer, depending on the use of phosphoric acid (PA) etching before immediate resin restoration. METHODS: Exposed dentin surfaces of extracted human third molars were randomly assigned to 3 groups depending on sealer type (AH Plus [Dentsply DeTrey], CeraSeal [Meta Biomed Co.], and EndoSeal MTA [Maruchi]). Half of the samples were treated with PA for 30 seconds, and the other half were cleaned with water. Completely untreated specimens were used as controls. Self-etching adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray) was applied and composite resin (Tetric N-Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent) was used to create build-ups. After 24 hours, the microtensile bond strength was measured (EZ Test, Shimadzu Co.). The failure mode was determined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. One-way analysis of variance with the Bonferroni correction was used to analyze the data (P < .05). RESULTS: The bond strength of the water-washed dentin surfaces in the calcium silicate-based sealer groups did not differ significantly from those of the control surfaces but the PA-pretreated surfaces exhibited relatively low-bond strength. The AH Plus-treated group had lower bond strength than the control group when no PA treatment was applied, but PA treatment restored the bond strength. The adhesive failure mode was most frequently found in the AH Plus group without PA etching. CONCLUSIONS: When a water-soluble calcium silicate-based sealer is used, sufficient bond strength can be obtained by washing with water alone, with no need for PA use.

Comparison of obturation quality in natural and replica teeth root-filled using different sealers and techniques.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the obturation efficacy of sealers placed with different techniques using microcomputed tomography (µCT) and assess the influence of µCT testing parameters on the obturation data obtained. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Incisors and mesial roots of lower molars with standardized root length were scanned using µCT, and one tooth of each type was 3D printed in acrylic. Two obturation techniques (warm vertical and single cone) and 4 sealer types (AH Plus, BioRoot RCS, Totalfill BC, and Bio-C Sealers) were assessed following storage in Hank's balanced salt solution for 3 and 6 months by assessing gap and void volume percentages on both natural and replica incisor and molar roots. The storage solution was analysed to assess calcium ion leaching. The influence of temperature, tooth positioning, and moisture content of the teeth while µCT scanning was also investigated. RESULTS: The obturation quality in the incisor group was the same using both natural teeth and replicas (p > 0.05). No changes in void volume were identified when comparing the same sealer using different obturation techniques. The premixed sealers used in single-cone obturation exhibited high void volume in the 3D printed replicas in the long term. The temperature, positioning, and moisture content of the teeth did not affect the outcome of µCT testing. CONCLUSIONS: BioRoot RCS, Totalfill BC, and Bio-C Sealers are suitable for obturation of both complex and simple root canal systems using different obturation techniques with BioRoot RCS exhibiting the highest calcium ion release. 3D printed acrylic teeth can be used to assess the obturation quality in uncomplicated root canal systems. µCT parameters had no significant effect on the µCT measurement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The single-cone obturation technique with hydraulic sealer is a simple technique that can be used for obturation of all root canal systems.

Efficacy of different irrigation agitation systems in the removal of root canal sealers from artificial standardised grooves.

The present study aims to assess the efficacy of different irrigation agitation systems in removing calcium silicate-based sealers from artificial standardised apical grooves. After the root canal instrumentation of 96 teeth, artificial apical grooves were created in half of each root. The samples were divided into two main groups according to the sealer type (AH Plus Jet [APJ] and Sure-Seal Root™ [SSR]) (n = 48). The root halves were then reassembled and divided into four experimental groups based on the final irrigation technique used: Conventional Syringe Irrigation (CSI), Ultrasonic Irrigant Agitation (UIA), Sonic Agitation (SA) and Manual Dynamic Agitation (MDA). The roots were then dissembled to assess the amount of root canal sealer. UIA significantly removed more of SSR sealer than CSI, MDA and SA while there was no statistical difference between CSI, MDA, SA and UIA groups in the APJ group. None of the irrigation agitation systems used had completely removed the APJ and SSR sealers. However, UIA was more effective in removing SSR sealer from the standardised apical groove than were CSI, MDA and SA.

The efficiency of different irrigation activation techniques in the removal of calcium silicate-based endodontic sealer from artificially created groove.

This study evaluated the removal of a calcium silicate-based sealer (EndoSeal MTA) with needle irrigation (NI), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), XP-endo Finisher (XPF) and EDDY. A total of 56 human mandibular premolars were instrumented up to size 40.04 taper. The roots were separated longitudinally, and grooves were prepared with an ultrasonic tip at one-half of each root canal. The grooves were covered with EndoSeal MTA and re-attached roots were investigated based on the activation techniques applied. The results showed that significantly more material (p < 0.05) was removed in the EDDY group compared to the NI, PUI and XPF groups in the apical region. In the coronal region, no significant difference was observed between EDDY, XPF and PUI (p > 0.05), whereas all the latter were significantly more effective than NI (p < 0.05). These findings show that the removal of EndoSeal MTA can be more effective with EDDY compared to XPF, PUI and NI in the apical region.

Medium- and Long-Term Re-Treatment of Root Canals Filled with a Calcium Silicate-Based Sealer: An Experimental Ex Vivo Study.

This study investigated the possibility of re-treating a calcium silicate-based sealer (CSBS), compared to an epoxy-resin sealer (RBS), using rotary instrumentation at different times from obturation (1 month/1 year). Thirty-six human mandibular premolars, extracted as a result of orthodontic or periodontal problems, were instrumented and randomly divided into three groups of 12: BR and BR*, which were filled with CSBS and re-treated after one month and one year of storage, respectively, and AH, which was filled with RBS and re-treated after one month. The same re-treatment protocol was used for all teeth, and the times required for the procedure was recorded. The re-treated specimens were longitudinally sectioned and examined at the stereomicroscope (SM) at 20× magnification. Image J Software was used to process the microphotographs. The percentage of residual filling materials in the root canal and the apical third, the ability to reach working length WL and patency, and the time taken to complete the re-treatment were recorded and analyzed by ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni test (p = 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and coupled energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were applied to representative samples to evaluate canal cleanliness and chemical elements. Patency and WL were re-established in all of the teeth. Residual filling materials were retained in all specimens of the three groups. The mean percentage of residual materials was significantly different between BR and BR* (p-value = 0.048), with BR* showing the highest values. The mean time to complete re-treatment was significantly lower for AH, followed by BR (p = 0.0001) and BR* (p = 0.0078). Conclusions: After both medium and long storage periods, the CSBS can be concluded to have been successfully removed from canals with simple anatomy.

Influence of acidic pH on antimicrobial activity of different calcium silicate based-endodontic sealers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antibacterial activity of calcium silicate-based sealers (CSBSs) against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm in a neutral or acidic condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentin cylinders (4 mm length) were prepared and infected with 3-week-old E. faecalis. The samples were filled with BioRoot RCS (BR), EndoSequence BC (ES), and NeoMTA Plus (NMTA) and incubated in either neutral or acidic conditions for 7 days (n=10/group). Sterile or infected samples alone were used as the positive and negative control. The root canal sealers were removed after 7 days, and the remaining bacteria on dentinal walls were determined by colony-forming units (CFUs/ml), and three samples from each group were visualized under a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The pH was also measured (n=3/group) after 4 h and 7 days of incubation at 37°C in both conditions. RESULTS: In the neutral condition, all sealers significantly decreased the log-CFU values (p<0.05), while in the acidic condition, the log-CFU reduction was less for ES and NMTA, but a higher reduction was observed in BR (p<0.05). The antibacterial activity of CSBSs was similar in neutral conditions (p>0.05), and BR showed a greater antibacterial effect than ES and NMTA in the acidic condition (p<0.05). The pH of BR, ES, and NMTA ranged from 8.2 to 8.8 in the neutral condition in the presence of dentin after 7 days. However, acidic conditions reduced the pH values to 7.8 for BR, 6.0 for ES, and 5.8 for NMTA. CONCLUSIONS: All CSBSs showed similar antibacterial activity in neutral conditions, while acidic pH had a reducing antibacterial effect on CSBSs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Inflammatory pH decreased the antibacterial properties of CSBSs depending on the sealer type.

Effect of bioceramic root canal sealers on the bond strength of fiber posts cemented with resin cements

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the influence of calcium silicate-based sealers on the bond strength of fiber posts using conventional and self-adhesive resin cement. Sixty single-rooted teeth were selected. The canals were prepared with a reciprocating instrument 40.06. The roots were randomly distributed in six groups (n = 10) according to the strategies for root canal filling and fiber posts cementation: AH Plus/RelyX ARC; AH Plus/RelyX U200; Bio C Sealer/RelyX ARC; Bio C Sealer/RealyX U200; Sealer Plus BC/RelyX ARC; and Sealer Plus BC/RelyX U200. The roots were transversally sectioned, and one slice per post-third was obtained. The push-out test was performed at a crosshead speed of 1mm/min. The failure patterns were described after assessment with a stereomicroscope with a 10× magnification. Bond strength was calculated and analyzed using the ANOVA and Tukey test. AH Plus did not influence the bond strength of fiber posts cemented with conventional (RelyX ARC) or with self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200). The lowest bond strength values were obtained when calcium silicate-based sealers were associated with conventional resin cement (Bio C Sealer/RelyX ARC and Sealer Plus BC/RelyX ARC). Except for Sealer Plus BC/RelyX ARC, all groups presented lower bond strength at the apical portion compared to the cervical portion of the post. Adhesive failures between cement and post and cement and dentin were predominant (55.3%). Calcium silicate-based sealers decreased the bond strength of fiber posts cemented with conventional resin cement.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência de cimentos à base de silicato de cálcio na resistência de união de pinos de fibra utilizando cimentos resinosos convencionais e autoadesivos. Sessenta dentes humanos monorradiculares foram selecionados. Os canais foram preparados um instrumento reciprocante 40.06. As raízes foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em seis grupos (n = 10) de acordo com as estratégias de obturação do canal e cimentação dos pinos de fibra: AH Plus/RelyX ARC; AH Plus/RelyX U200; Bio C Sealer/RelyX ARC; Bio C Sealer/RealyX U200; Sealer Plus BC/RelyX ARC; e Sealer Plus BC/RelyX U200. As raízes foram seccionadas transversalmente e foi obtido um espécime por terço. O teste de push-out foi realizado em uma velocidade de 1mm/min. Os padrões de falha foram descritos após avaliação em estereomicroscópio com aumento de 10×. A resistência de união foi calculada e analisada por ANOVA e teste de Tukey. AH Plus não influenciou na resistência de união dos pinos de fibra cimentados com cimento resinoso convencional (RelyX ARC) ou autoadesivo (RelyX U200) (p > 0,05). Os menores valores de resistência de união foram obtidos quando os cimentos à base de silicato de cálcio foram associados ao cimento resinoso convencional (Bio C Sealer/RelyX ARC e Sealer Plus BC/RelyX ARC) (p < 0,05). Com exceção do Sealer Plus BC/RelyX ARC, todos os grupos apresentaram menor resistência de união na porção apical em comparação com a porção cervical do pino (p < 0,05). Falhas adesivas entre cimento e pino e cimento e dentina foram predominantes (55,3%). Cimentos a base de silicato de cálcio diminuíram a resistência de união de pinos de fibra cimentados com cimento resinoso convencional.

Evaluation of the dentinal tubule penetration of an endodontic bioceramic sealer after three final irrigation protocols

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the dentinal tubule penetration of an endodontic bioceramic sealer, Sealer Plus BC, after three final irrigation protocols. Methods: Thirty distobuccal roots of maxillary molars were selected. Root canal preparation was performed up to an #40.06 instrument (X1 Blue) under 2.5% sodium hypochlorite irrigation. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n=10), according to the final irrigation protocol: G-NaOCl (2.5% sodium hypochlorite + PUI), G-SS (0.9% saline solution + PUI) and G-H20 (Deionized water + PUI). After final irrigation protocols, all specimens were irrigated with phosphate buffer solution. Root canal obturation was performed using the single cone technique and Sealer Plus BC, stained with a specific fluorophore. Specimens were transversely sectioned and each root third was evaluated in a confocal scanning laser microscopy. Images obtained were analyzed for sealer penetration in the dentinal tubules. Results: Dentinal tubule penetration of Sealer Plus BC was not observed in any root third, regardless of the final irrigation protocol investigated. Conclusions: Sealer Plus BC dentinal tubule penetration was not observed after none of the protocols tested. Dentinal tubule penetrability of Sealer Plus BC may be related to other factors rather than the final irrigation protocol.