Effect of final irrigation on sealer-dentin interface for a methacrylate-based resin sealer

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different final irrigation technique (removing or not removing demineralized collagen) in combination with controlled intracanal residual moisture level (dry or moist) and canal location (middle or apical) on the quality of the sealer-dentin interface with a methacrylate-based sealer. Following endodontic instrumentation of extracted incisors the specimens were treated with varied techniques based on one of four study groups. The specimens were either treated with NaOCl or without NaOCl as the final rinse. Subsequently, specimens were either assigned to the dry group with a combination of 30 sec of fine suction tip and paper points until five paper points were removed dry or the moist group with a fine suction tip used for only 5 sec and only one paper point. The specimens were stored for 7 days at 37º C in a humid environment. Roots were then sectioned perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth to obtain middle and apical specimens. Specimens were analyzed using Raman microspectroscopy, Goldner's trichrome stain, and SEM. There was no difference in the quality of the intertubular sealer-dentin interface (as measured by hybrid layer production and sealer degree of conversion) or dentinal tubule sealer penetration as a function of final irrigation, drying technique, or intracanal location.