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Published on: November 9, 2014
In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluation of a Novel Solvent for Tricalcium Silicate-based Sealers
David Colmenar1, Saaya Sakoda1, Tanguy Terlier2
1Department of Endodontics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Dentistry, Houston, Texas.
Introduction:
The need for removal of tricalcium silicate-based sealers in endodontic retreatment is increasing, but it is challenging due to their limited solubility. Therefore, new solvents are needed.
Methods:
In vitro solubility assays of EndoSequence BC sealer (BC) were prepared and evaluated in 7 groups (n = 10): pH 4 buffer (B4), pH 6 buffer (B6), pH 7 deionized water (H2O), pH 8.16 buffer B8, pH 10 buffer (B10), 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and pH 10 buffered 17% EDTA (E10). Ex vivo dentin disks were immersed in either B4 or E10, then the time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry was used to quantify dentin decalcification. Extracted teeth were instrumented and obturated using a single cone technique with BC short of working length and the apical 2 mm filled only with sealer. Three groups (n = 11) of teeth were retreated by a single blinded operator with either H2O, EDTA, or E10 until patency was obtained. Results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with post hoc tests.
Results:
Solubility values for each group were: B4, 48.6% ± 2.8; B6, 41.4% ± 4.6; H2O, 13.5% ± 1.9; B8, 13.2% ± 3.2; B10, 11.4% ± 3.4; EDTA, 32.6% ± 6.4; and E10, 51.1% ± 4.7. BC was significantly more soluble in both B4 and E10 than in the other groups. There was no significant difference in solubility or dentin decalcification between B4 and E10. Patency rates and time to achieve patency did not differ significantly among all groups.
Conclusions:
E10 is an effective solvent for BC during endodontic retreatment procedures but does not affect the ability to regain patency.

