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Published on: October 20, 2011
Effect of root canal moisture on intratubular penetration of bioceramic sealer using two obturation techniques: A
Maryam Jasim Al-Qaralusi1, Hikmet Abdul-Rahim Al-Gharrawi1
1Department of Conservative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.
Background:
Effective root canal obturation requires deep sealer penetration into dentinal tubules to prevent reinfection, a process that may be influenced by filling techniques and root canal moisture levels.
Aims:
This study aims to evaluate the influence of root canal moisture on the intratubular penetration of TotalFill bioceramic sealer using single-cone (SC) and hot-modified (HM) obturation techniques.
Settings And Design:
This was an in vitro study.
Materials And Methods:
Forty extracted single-rooted lower premolars were prepared to a size 40/0.04. The root canals were irrigated with 10 mL of 3% NaOCl, followed by 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, then randomly allocated according to obturation technique into SC and HM groups (n = 20). Each group was further subdivided according to canal moisture condition before obturation into dry or moist subgroups (n = 10). TotalFill sealer (FKG, Switzerland) was mixed with Rhodamine B and used for obturation. Specimens were sectioned at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex and analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy to assess maximal sealer penetration depth.
Statistical Analysis:
Data were analyzed by one-way and two-way ANOVA, accompanied by the Bonferroni post hoc test.
Results:
Moist canals demonstrated significantly greater sealer penetration than dry canals at three levels. The obturation technique showed no significant effect at any level (P > 0.05), and no interaction between moisture and technique was observed.
Conclusions:
Root canal moisture enhances penetration of TotalFill bioceramic sealer into dentinal tubules, regardless of obturation technique. Both obturation techniques yield comparable sealer penetration into dentinal tubules.
