In vivo evaluation of root canal sealer distribution

The effectiveness of sealer placement and its distribution in the prepared root canal system by an energized ultrasonic file was evaluated in vivo. One hundred patients had sealer placed into prepared root canals with either the master gutta-percha cone or an ultrasonic file. Before placement of sealer with the file, canals were irrigated, debrided, and flushed with water for 10 s and an energized #20 ultrasonic file at 1.0 mm from the working length. Canals were obturated with gutta-percha using lateral condensation, and evaluations were based on the presence or absence of sealer-filled accessory canals. Chi-square analysis showed that a statistically significant difference existed in the number of radiographically visible accessory canals filled when the ultrasonic file was used to place the sealer.