Comparing Voids in Tricalcium Silicate-Based and AH Plus Sealers

Objectives: Sealers are used during root canal therapy to seal off the compromised root canal from the oral environment. This aids in preventing bacterial leakage and treatment failure. Many types of materials are used to accomplish root sealing. The purpose of the current study was to compare the sealing efficacy of tricalcium silicate-based sealer (TS) and AH Plus sealer (AHP) using the single-cone technique (SCT).
Methods: 53 extracted teeth with one root and canal were standardized to 17mm in length from the apex. Canal access was established as needed then hand/rotary files, NaOCl and EDTA were used to clean and shape the canals. SCT was then performed using gutta percha cones to obturate 26 teeth with AHP and 27 teeth with TS. After incubating in a moist environment (≥7d, 37°C), the roots were sectioned horizontally at three heights relative to the apex to create an apical, middle, and coronal root segment. One surface on each segment was sanded then the whole segment was washed with EDTA. Each smoothed surface was then visualized under a stereomicroscope and the surface area of voids in the sealer were measured. The void surface areas were then compared between each sectioned third and each sealer type (R statistical software, ANOVA, Poisson distribution).
Results: No significant difference in void surface area between apical, middle, and coronal root segments was found and no significant difference was found between sealers (p=0.82, rsq=0.07).
Conclusions: Assuming void surface area accurately assesses sealer success, AHP and TS may seal canals equally well for dental students using SCT.