Evaluation of glass ionomer as an endodontic sealant: an in vitro study

This study investigated the sealing ability of glass ionomer as a root canal sealer with and without lateral condensation of gutta percha cones. Ten gutta percha cones were embedded in Grossman's sealer and 10 in glass ionomer sealer. The sealers were mechanically separated from the gutta percha. The cone surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM revealed a characteristic etch pattern on the glass ionomer group and a hybrid layer on the cone surfaces of the Grossman's group. Additionally, 40 maxillary incisors were divided into four treatment groups: 1) glass ionomer sealer with lateral condensation, 2) glass ionomer sealer with only one master cone, 3) Grossman's sealer with condensation, and 4) Grossman's sealer with only one master cone. The average values for leakage (mm) in groups 1 through 4 were 0.81 +/- 0.75, 4.30 +/- 1.82, 0.67 +/- 0.80, and 1.10 +/- 1.68, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that group 2 leaked more than the other three groups.