Optimised clinical protocol for root canal obturation using single cone and hydraulic cement sealer

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Optimizing root canal treatment requires synchronizing preparation, irrigation, and obturation.
• Effective protocols must prepare dentin, reduce microbial load, and ensure a persistent seal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an optimized clinical protocol for root canal treatment.
• To evaluate the impact of different irrigation sequences on dentin-sealer interfaces and sealer properties.

Main Methods:

• A split tooth model assessed irrigation and obturation quality using sodium hypochlorite, EDTA, HEDP, and water.
• Four commercial sealers were evaluated with single cone obturation.
• Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyzed ultrastructure and chemical properties.
• Microbiological analyses assessed antimicrobial activity.

Main Results:

• HEDP irrigation minimized dentin erosion and increased mineral concentration at the dentin-hydraulic cement interface.
• Continuous chelation with HEDP enhanced the antimicrobial activity of hydraulic cement sealers.
• All sealers showed reduced antimicrobial effectiveness when in contact with irrigated dentin.

Conclusions:

• Irrigation techniques significantly influence the interfacial characteristics and antimicrobial properties of root canal sealers.
• Selecting appropriate irrigation protocols is essential for optimizing root canal treatment outcomes.