[Intratubular penetration of root canal sealers]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capacity of penetration of four endodontic sealers (Endo Fill, Sealapex, AH Plus and Pulp Canal Sealer) into dentinal tubules. Seventy-two extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were utilized in this study. The teeth were cleaned and shaped by means of the balanced-forces technique. The work length was established at 1 mm beyond the apex. Copious irrigation with 10 ml of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite was carried out. The teeth were divided in 8 groups - 4 had the smear layer maintained, and 4 had it removed. The smear layer was removed with a commercial solution of 17% EDTA, and the root canal system was flushed for 3 min. Finally, the roots were irrigated with 3 ml of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. All teeth were sealed by means of the technique of the condensation wave with a medium nonstandardized cone. After filling, the roots were grooved, longitudinally split and examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The focus of observation was the interface between the dentin and the sealing material. The Rickert sealer (Pulp Canal) presented the maximum penetration depths into the dentinal tubules, and Sealapex, the minimum. The Spearman test was used to determine whether there were significant differences between the groups. The removal of smear layer allowed significant penetration of the sealers (p <= 0.01).