Endodontic sealers: Intratubular penetration and permeability to Enterococcus faecalis

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Microbiology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Root canal sealers are crucial for preventing bacterial leakage.
• Enterococcus faecalis is a common pathogen in persistent endodontic infections.
• Intratubular penetration and permeability are key factors for sealer efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro intratubular penetration of three endodontic sealers.
• To assess the permeability of these sealers to Enterococcus faecalis.
• To compare the performance of AHPlus, Endo CPM-sealer, and EndoRez.

Main Methods:

• Human canine teeth were obturated with AHPlus, Endo CPM-sealer, or EndoRez.
• Bacterial permeability was assessed by contaminating the coronal portion with E. faecalis and monitoring broth turbidity apically for 30 days.
• Intratubular penetration was evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) at cervical, middle, and apical thirds.

Main Results:

• EndoRez demonstrated significantly greater intratubular penetration compared to AHPlus and Endo CPM-sealer.
• Only one tooth in the Endo CPM-sealer group showed broth contamination, suggesting low permeability.
• SEM analysis confirmed varying degrees of intratubular penetration among the sealers.

Conclusions:

• Endo CPM-sealer exhibited higher permeability to E. faecalis, indicating a potential pathway for bacterial ingress.
• EndoRez showed enhanced intratubular penetration, which may contribute to a better seal.
• The findings highlight differences in sealer properties relevant to preventing endodontic reinfection.