Effectiveness of Various Light-Cure Biomaterials as an Intraorifice Barrier: An In Vitro Study

Objective Proper seal achieved via placement of an effective intraorifice barrier curtails the occurrence of post-bleaching consequences and reinforces the cervical tooth structure. Hence, our present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of three different light-cure biomaterials as an intraorifice barrier. Methodology Forty-eight sound human premolars were obtained, and root canal treatment procedures were accomplished according to the standard protocol. Gutta-percha was removed from the cementoenamel junction to a uniform depth of 3 mm, and the barrier materials were placed according to the respective groups (n=16 each): Group I: resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) (Ionoseal, VOCO, Innovative Biotherapies, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States), Group II: TheraCal LC (Bisco, Inc., Schaumburg, Illinois, United States), and Group III: bulk-fill composite (BFC) (Tetric N-Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc., Schaan, Liechtenstein). Eight samples from each group were coated with nail varnish, submerged in 2% methylene blue for 24 hours, and evaluated for sealing ability using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. The remaining eight samples from each group were subjected to push-out bond strength evaluation using the universal testing machine. Values were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Scheffe's t-test. Result TheraCal LC showed the highest mean value of sealing ability to other groups; however, there is an insignificant difference compared with BFC. Push-out bond strength values are increasing, with Group II being the lowest, followed by Group I and the BFC group demonstrating superior performance. Conclusion TheraCal LC exhibited the least microleakage among the experimental groups. Yet BFC stands out to be a reliable material of choice owing to its superior strength and fairly acceptable sealing ability.