A Comparative Study Of The Sealing Ability Of Three Root Canal Sealers In Vitro

Objective:To compare the apical microleakage of zinc oxide eugenol sealer with that Vitapex(calcium hydroxide based paste)and AH-plus when used laterally condensed gutta percha obturation technique and to evaluate the sealing ability of three root canal sealers.Methods:The root canals of 50 extracted single rooted human anterior teeth were prepared with step-back technique and randomly divided into three experimental groups(A,B,C)of 10 teeeth each and two control groups(D,E) of 10 teeth each.Group A was filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha using traditional zinc oxide eugenol as sealer.Group B was filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha using Vitapex as sealer.Group C was filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha using AH-plus as sealer.Group D and group E were filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha without any sealer.Group D was the positive control.Group E was the negative control.After all the teeth were filled,they were put in 37℃oven for 7 days.Group A,B,C and D were painted two coats of nail polish upon apical foramen 2mm.Group E was coated with nail polish to entire root surface.Then all the teeth were stet for 24 hours. These teeth were suspended in India ink for 7 days.After this,teeth were demineralized dehydrated and cleared.Linear dye penetration was measeured by stereo microscope and vernier caliper(0.02mm).Statistical tests were performed by analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls test.Results:The mean dye penetration for group A,B,C,D were respective 2.73±0.76mm,0.63±0.62mm,1.38±0.70mm and 3.71±1.34mm.Group E showed no dye penetration.There was statiscally significant difference between group D and group A,B,C(P＜0.05).There was statiscally significant difference between group A and group B(P＜0.01),group A and group C(P＜0.01), respectively.There was statiscally significant difference between group B and group C(P＜0.05).Conclusion:This study shows that three kinds of root canal sealers can enhance the sealing ability of gutta-percha.Vitapex and AH-plus sealer used as endodontic sealer material have better sealing ability than traditional zinc oxide eugenol sealer.Vitapex sealer has better sealing ability than AH-plus sealer.