A laboratory investigation of a composite resin/dentine bonding agent mixture used as a root canal sealer

The objective of this project was to determine the effectiveness of a dentine bonding agent, in conjunction with a composite resin, to act as an endodontic sealing material. The effectiveness was compared with that provided by a conventional sealer (AH26) by measuring dye penetration into the root canal. Two obturation techniques were used with each sealer; the single gutta-percha point technique, and lateral condensation with multiple gutta-percha points. Lateral condensation with the conventional sealer was found to be the superior procedure, by producing the least amount of linear leakage (coronally from the apex) on average. However, the single point technique with the composite resin/dentine bonding agent sealer provided the greatest number of 'no leakage' samples. Scanning electron microscope investigation of obturated roots revealed the presence of resin tags in dentine tubules only in those samples where the composite resin/dentine bonding agent sealer was used. The short working time provided by the composite resin/dentine bonding agent sealer prevented successful obturation using lateral condensation. The provision of an extended working time composition for this sealer may produce more favourable results in obturation with lateral condensation.