Characterization of Tubule Penetration Using Resilon: A Soft-Resin Obturation System

Methods: 4 extracted human anterior teeth with a single canal were selected. The crowns of all sample teeth were removed at the CEJ allowing access to the canal. Access and step back preparation were performed on each tooth using stainless steel files. The resilon obturating system was placed per manufacturer directions, with each tooth being prepared to a subsequent step in the process, the steps progressing as follows: step back preparation, irrigation with EDTA, conditioning with Epiphany primer, and lateral condensation of Epiphany cones followed by light activation. The Epiphany sealer was given adequate time to set before the teeth were frozen with liquid nitrogen and sectioned longitudinally to expose the dentin/resilon interface. The samples were then dessicated and sputter coated for viewing with a scanning electron microscope at ~2000X.

Results: The teeth which were not filled with resilon showed that the smear layer had been removed and the dentinal tubules were open with a greater density of tubules coronally and lesser apically. The tooth which was filled with resilon showed visible penetration of the material into the dentinal tubules. The number of filled tubules was much greater in the coronal region with virtually no tubules being filled in the apical region.

Conclusions: The resilon obturating system may be effective in creating a mechanical bond to the canal wall by penetrating the dentinal tubules. However, the material may only penetrate the tubules within the coronal region of the canal. A further study performed on a greater number of teeth and using different condensation techniques is currently being performed.