An evaluation of sealing ability of endodontic materials as root canal sealers

An in vitro dye leakage study was carried out to compare the apical microleakage of vitapex (calcium hydroxide based paste) when used with single gutta percha cone with that of dentalis KEZ (calcium hydroxide and zincoxide eugenol based sealer) and zincoxide-eugenol sealer when used with laterally condensed gutta percha obturation technique. One hundred single rooted human anterior teeth were instrumented and randomly divided into three experimental groups of 30 teeth each and two control groups of 5 teeth each. Teeth in the first group were obturated using a single master gutta percha cone and vitapex as root canal sealer and those of second group were obturated with laterally condensed gutta percha using dentalis KEZ as sealer. Third experimental group was filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha using zinc-oxide eugenol as sealer. Teeth were then suspended in 2% methylene blue. After this, teeth were demineralized dehydrated and cleared. Linear dye penetration was determined under stereomicroscope (x10) with calibrated eye piece. Results of this study showed that calcium hydroxide based endodontic material leaked comparatively less as compared to zinc oxide Eugenol sealer. Vitapex with single gutta-percha cone provided an adequate apical Seal against dye penetration.