Effect of various sealers with gutta-percha as root-end fillings on healing after replantation

This study examined histologically the effect of three sealers used with gutta-percha as root-end fillings placed in a replantation model. A total of 14 molar teeth were used in seven monkeys. After extraction, root ends were resected, the canals contaminated with oral bacteria, root-end cavities prepared, and fillings of gutta-percha and sealer placed prior to replantation. After 8 weeks the teeth and surrounding jaw were removed and prepared for histological examination. Six roots filled with gutta-percha plus a fortified zinc oxide-eugenol cement (IRM), 13 with gutta-percha plus zinc oxide-eugenol (EP), and eight with gutta-percha plus Kloropercha, were available for examination. The tissue response to gutta-percha with either zinc oxide material was characterized by little or no inflammation of limited extent. In contrast, more severe inflammation was observed against root ends filled with gutta-percha and Kloropercha. Gutta-percha plus IRM or zinc oxide-eugenol had a much more favourable response than that to amalgam reported previously in a similar experiment.