Long-term sealing ability of Pulp Canal Sealer, AH-Plus, GuttaFlow and Epiphany

Evaluation of the biocompatibility of resin-based root canal sealers in rat periapical tissue

We evaluated the biocompatibility of resin-based root canal sealers (RCSs) in the periapical tissues of rats. Wistar rats underwent tooth replantation for reproducing the response of periapical tissue with RCSs. The resin-based Epipany SE, AH Plus Jet, the eugenol-based sealer (Canals) and a control group were employed. The upper right first molar was extracted and applied with RCSs on apices, and then the tooth was repositioned. Histological evaluation demonstrated that mild inflammation occurred in the periapical tissue with Epiphany and AH Plus Jet sealers on day 7, whereas Canals induced severe-to-moderate inflammation. The statistical analyses demonstrated that the significant differences were observed between Canals and the other groups on day 7 regarding inflammatory response. On day 14, the lesions induced by all sealers were healed and replaced predominantly by fibrous connective tissue. Our results suggest that Epiphany SE and AH Plus Jet are good biocompatible materials.

A Comparative in vitro Evaluation of Vertical Root Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth using Different Obturating Materials

Aim

To compare the vertical root fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth obturated using different obturating materials.

Materials and methods

Decoronated roots of 75 single canal lower second premolar teeth were divided randomly into 5 groups. The first group (Group I) served as a negative control. The remaining four Groups were cleaned and shaped using ProTaper Endodontic rotary files and obturated with guttapercha + TubliSeal EWT sealer (Group II), ThermaFil + AH Plus sealer (Group III), RealSeal + RealSeal sealer (Group IV) and GuttaFlow obturating system (Group V). The roots were then embedded in acrylic resin blocks and subjected to vertical load until fracture with a spreader in a universal testing machine and the forces were recorded.

Results

Fracture resistance of group I > group IV > group V > group III > group II, which were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Obturation of roots with resin based obturation material—RealSeal had increased VRF resistance compared to the gutta-percha obturation systems.

Clinical significance

Obturation of the root canals with resin based obturation system—Resilon reinforces the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth and contributes to the overall success of the endodontic treatment.

How to cite this article

Carlos RB, Makam S, Yaragonda VK, Murali H, Tyagi A, Rose R. A Comparative in vitro Evaluation of Vertical Root Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth using Different Obturating Materials. World J Dent 2014;5(2):113-117.

Acronyms and abbreviations

VRF: Vertical root fracture; ANOVA: Analysis of variance.

Sealing ability of three single-cone obturation systems: An in-vitro glucose leakage study

AIM

The aim of this study is to compare the corono-apical sealing ability of three single-cone obturation systems using a glucose leakage model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 90 extracted maxillary single rooted teeth were selected and their crowns were cut. The root canal of each sample was instrumented using a rotary crown down technique and then divided into four experimental (n = 20 each) and two control groups (n = 5 each). Samples in the experimental groups were filled as follows: Group 1, cold lateral condensation using Gutta-percha/AH Plus; Group 2, single-cone Gutta-percha and AH Plus; Group 3, single-cone Gutta-percha/and GuttaFlow2; Group 4, single-cone Resilon/RealSeal SE after 7 days, the sealing ability of root canal fillings was tested at different time intervals using glucose leakage model. Glucose leakage values were measured using a spectrophotometer and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The four experimental groups presented significantly different glucose leakage values at all test periods (P < 0.05). At the end of the observation period, the cumulative glucose leakage values of Groups 3 and 4 were significantly lower than those of Groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Gutta-percha/GuttaFlow2 or Resilon/RealSeal SE combinations provided the superior sealing ability over the lateral condensation technique.

Assessment of the sealing abilities of several root canal sealers and filling methods

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the sealing abilities of two root canal sealers (epoxy resin-based AH Plus(®) and polydimethylsiloxane-based GuttaFlow(®)) and of five root filling techniques (lateral condensation, matched taper single gutta-percha point, laterally condensed-matched taper gutta-percha point, Thermafil(®) and continuous wave of condensation), using a bacterial leakage model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and seventy-four single-rooted human teeth were randomly divided into 10 test groups (n = 15) and two control groups (n = 12). The roots that were filled with the test material, using the different root filling techniques, were mounted in a two-chamber bacterial leakage model and Enterococcus faecalis was added to the upper chambers. The lower chambers of all of the specimens were checked every day during the test period (100 days). The day of turbidity was recorded for each sample. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the epoxy resin-based and the polydimethylsiloxane-based sealers, irrespective of the filling techniques used (p > 0.05). The continuous wave of condensation technique was found to be superior to the other techniques (p < 0.05). The difference between the other groups was insignificant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

AH Plus and GuttaFlow sealers showed similar levels of sealing ability. The continuous wave of condensation technique had the best sealing capability when compared to the other techniques.

Qualitative SEM/EDS analysis of microleakage and apical gap formation of adhesive root-filling materials

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the correspondence between gap formation and apical microleakage in root canals filled with epoxy resin-based (AH Plus) combined or not with resinous primer or with a dimethacrylate-based root canal sealer (Epiphany).

Material and Methods

Thirty-nine lower single-rooted human premolars were filled by the lateral condensation technique (LC) and immersed in a 50-wt% aqueous silver nitrate solution at 37ºC (24 h). After longitudinal sectioning, epoxy resin replicas were made from the tooth specimens. Both the replicas and the specimens were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The gaps were observed in the replicas. Apical microleakage was detected in the specimens by SEM/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The data were analyzed statistically using an Ordinal Logistic Regression model and Analysis of Correspondence (α=0.05).

Results

Epiphany presented more regions containing gaps between dentin and sealer (p<0.05). There was correspondence between the presence of gaps and microleakage (p<0.05). Microleakage was similar among the root-filling materials (p>0.05).

Conclusions

The resinous primer did not improve the sealing ability of AH Plus sealer and the presence of gaps had an effect on apical microleakage for all materials.

Sealing ability of lateral condensation, thermoplasticized gutta-percha and flowable gutta-percha obturation techniques: A comparative in vitro study

Aim:

To evaluate and compare the sealing ability between the clod lateral condensation, thermoplasticized gutta-percha, and flowable gutta-percha obturation technique, under a stereomicroscope at ×40 magnification.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty single rooted teeth were selected and canals were shaped with K3 NiTi files. Irrigation was performed with 5.25% NaOCl and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The teeth were then separated into three groups depending on the type of obturation technique: Group A, obturated using the lateral condensation technique and AH Plus sealer; Group B, obturated with thermoplasticized gutta-percha tech (Obtura III Max) and AH Plus sealer; and Group C, obturated using flowable gutta-percha technique (GuttaFlow). After storing the teeth in 100% humidity for 7 days at 37°C, the roots of the teeth were sectioned at five levels. The sections were then observed under a stereomicroscope at ×40 magnification and the images were analyzed for area of voids (AV) and frequency of voids. The data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS version 17 software. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. One-way analysis of variance with post hoc test and non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test were carried out to compare the means.

Results:

The lowest mean of AV was recorded in the thermoplasticized gutta-percha (Obtura III Max) group [1.0% (95% CI=0.5–1.5)]. This was statistically and significantly different from flowable gutta-percha (GuttaFlow) group [3.0% (95% CI=2.1–3.9)]. There was no significant difference between the thermoplasticized gutta-percha group and lateral condensation group [1.6% (95% CI=1.0–2.2)] with regard to the AV, but there was a statistically significant difference between the lateral condensation and flowable gutta-percha groups. The flowable gutta-percha group showed the maximum number of voids [56% (95% CI=48–64)], which was significantly higher than those in the lateral condensation [26% (95% CI=19–34)] and thermoplasticized gutta-percha [15% (95% CI=10–21)] groups.

Conclusion:

The thermoplasticized gutta-percha technique (Obtura III Max) had better adaptability to the canal walls when compared to the flowable gutta-percha (GuttaFlow) obturation and lateral condensation techniques.

The effect of different sealer placement techniques on sealing Ability: An in vitro study

Aim:

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the sealing ability of an endodontic sealer following different techniques of its placement.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 119 permanent human anterior teeth were prepared by using manual Protaper^® and randomly divided into three equal groups of 33 teeth each. The teeth were obturated with the cold lateral condensation technique and AH26 sealer which was placed by using the following: G1: rotary lentulo spiral; G2: manual lentulo spiral; and G3: master gutta-percha coating. The remaining 20 teeth served as positive and negative controls. The samples were immersed in the methylene blue solution for 3 days and longitudinally sectioned for dye penetration assessment and analyzed using a stereomicroscope.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.305) among the three groups. However, the rotary lentulo spiral technique and the master gutta-percha coating technique showed the highest (4.5 mm) and the lowest (3.8 mm) microleakage values, respectively.

Conclusion:

Different techniques of sealer placement used in this study provided a comparable seal. However, the master gutta-percha coating technique might be preferable because of its ease of use.

Evaluation of epoxy resin sealer after three root canal filling techniques by confocal laser scanning microscopy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the penetration of endodontic sealer into the dentin tubules, the integrity of the sealer layer perimeter, and the sealer area at the apical third after different filling techniques by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Forty-five mandibular premolars were mechanically prepared with ProTaper files, until F5 file. Thereafter, they were filled with an epoxy-resin sealer (AH Plus) mixed with Rhodamine B dye (0.1% proportion) and allocated in three groups: Group 1, single master cone; Group 2, cold lateral compaction; and Group 3, Thermafil. For confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis, the specimens were transversely sectioned at 4 mm from the apex. The images at ×10 and ×40 were analyzed by Imagetool 3.0 software. Significant differences were not found among the three experimental groups according the dentin-impregnate area by the sealer (P = 0.68) and between the sealer and root canal perimeter (P = 0.18). However, root canal filling techniques were significantly different when apical sealer areas were compared (P = 0.001). Thermafil group showed smaller sealer areas (8.09%) while cold lateral compaction and gutta-percha master cone showed similar areas (17.37 and 21.18%, respectively). The dentin-impregnated area was not dependent on the root canal filling technique. Single master cone, cold lateral condensation and Thermafil techniques presented integrity of the sealer perimeter close to 100% and Thermafil resulted in a significantly thinner sealer layer.

Comparative Resistance of AH26 and a New Sealer Prototype to a Bacterial Challenge

Objective. This study compared the leakage resistance of a New Sealer Prototype (NSP) with a traditional sealer (AH 26) in Resilon-filled roots subjected to a bacterial challenge. Study Design. 41 roots were instrumented to ISO size 50 apically. Group 1 (n = 20) contained Resilon and AH 26 sealer and roots in group 2 (n = 21) contained Resilon and NSP. Roots were embedded in a dual-chamber model with the upper chamber containing Streptococcus mutans inoculum. Evidence of bacterial penetration was observed for 1 month. Fisher's Test was used to analyze the data. Results. 8 of 20 roots (40%) in the AH 26 group demonstrated leakage whereas 3 of 21 roots (14%) in the NSP group leaked. The difference in leakage rates was not statistically significant (P = 0.053). Conclusion. The traditional sealer (AH 26) demonstrated increased leakage rates compared to the New Sealer Prototype (NSP), but the difference did not reach statistical significance in this study.

A four-week solubility assessment of AH-26 and four new root canal sealers

Background:

The strong link between sealer solubility and periapical reinfection indicates that water solubility of new sealers should be studied. This study aimed to assess the water solubility of five root canal sealers (AH-26, Topseal, 2-Seal, Acroseal, and Roeko Seal Automix [RSA]).

Materials and Methods:

In this in vitro experimental study, 30 specimens were fabricated from each of the abovementioned sealants. Then they were weighed and randomly divided into three subgroups of 10 each (A, B, and C). They were set at 37°C and 100% RH, in accordance with ANSI/ADA 57 and ISO 6876-2001 requirements. Afterward, the specimens in subgroups A were incubated at 37°C and 100% RH for 24 hours, while the specimens in the subgroups B and C were incubated in the same conditions for 7 days and 28 days, respectively. After incubation, the specimens were dried with blotting paper and were incubated for 24 hours at 37°C and 0% RH. Then they were weighed. The percentage of weight loss was regarded as water solubility.

Results:

The mean solubility of the sealers AH-26, Acroseal, Topseal, 2-Seal, and RSA were 0.28%, 0.36%, 0.07%, 0.037%, and 0.141% after 24 hours, respectively. After 28 days, their solubility were 1.75%, 0.746%, 0.082%, 0.04%, and 0.517%, respectively. Only the solubility of the sealers 2-Seal and Topseal were not statistically different (P>0.3 [Tukey's]). Again only the solubility of 2-Seal and Topseal did not significantly increase between the 7^th day and the 28^th day of incubation (P>0.6 [paired-samples t]).

Conclusion:

All tested materials met the standards (maximum weight loss of 3% within 24 hours). However, the results of 2-Seal followed by Topseal were the most favorable ones.

Cytotoxicity evaluation of Gutta Flow and Endo Sequence BC sealers

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of GuttaFlow and EndoSequence BC sealers and compared them with AH Plus and Tubli-Seal sealers.

STUDY DESIGN

Samples (0.5 mg) of freshly mixed or set BC, GuttaFlow, AH Plus, and Tubli-Seal sealers were eluted with 300, 600, and 1,000 μL cell culture medium for 24 and 72 hours. L929 cells were seeded into 96-well plates at 3 × 10(4) cells/well and cultured with 100 μL eluate from each eluate group. Cells cultured only with culture medium served as control. After 24 hours' incubation, the cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell viability was calculated as the percentage of the control group, and the results were analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

For the freshly mixed sealer, cell viability in the AH Plus group was less than in all of the other 3 sealer groups. The Tubli-Seal sealer group had less cell viability than the EndoSequence BC and GuttaFlow sealer groups. For the set sealer, the Tubli-Seal and AH Plus groups had less cell viability than the EndoSequence BC and GuttaFlow sealer groups. There was no cell viability difference between the EndoSequence BC and GuttaFlow sealer groups in the either freshly mixed or set sealer group.

CONCLUSIONS

The GuttaFlow and EndoSequence BC sealers have lower cytotoxicity than the AH Plus and Tubli-Seal sealers.

Evaluation and comparison of sealing ability of three different obturation techniques - Lateral condensation, Obtura II, and GuttaFlow: An in vitro study

AIM

To evaluate and compare the sealing ability between the conventional cold lateral condensation technique and two different obturating techniques - Obtura II and GuttaFlow under a stereomicroscope at 40× magnification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty single-rooted teeth were selected and the canals were shaped with ProTaper rotary files. Irrigation was performed with 5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA. The teeth were then separated into three groups depending on the type of obturation technique. Group A (n = 20) - obturated using the Lateral condensation technique and AHplus sealer, Group B (n = 20) - obturated with Obtura II injection-molded thermoplasticized technique and AHplus sealer, and Group C (n = 20) obturated using GuttaFlow. After storing the teeth in 100% humidity for seven days at 37°C, the roots of the teeth were sectioned at five levels. The sections were then observed under a stereomicroscope at 40 × magnification and the images were analyzed for area of voids (AV) and frequency of voids.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

The data was statistically analyzed using the SPSS version 17 software. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. One-way analysis of variance with post-hoc test and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was carried out, to compare the means.

RESULTS

The lowest mean of AV was recorded in the Obtura II group, 1.0% (95% CI = 0.5 - 1.5). This was statistically and significantly different from the GuttaFlow group, 3.0% (95% CI = 2.1 - 3.9). There was no significant difference between the Obtura II group and the lateral condensation group, 1.6% (95% CI= 1.0 - 2.2) with regard to the area of voids, but there was a statistically significant difference between the Lateral condensation and GuttaFlow groups. The GuttaFlow group showed the maximum number of voids, 56% (95% CI = 48 - 64), which was significantly higher than those in the lateral condensation, 26% (95% CI= 19 - 34), and Obtura II, 15% (95% CI= 10 - 21) groups.

CONCLUSION

The Obtura II technique utilizing the injection-molded thermoplasticized gutta-percha had better adaptability to the canal walls when compared to the GuttaFlow obturation and lateral condensation techniques.

Dynamic sealing ability of MTA root canal sealer

AIMS

To evaluate (i) the sealing ability of two sealers, mineral trioxide aggregate sealer (MTAS) and Pulp Canal Sealer (PCS), used with gutta-percha utilizing the fluid filtration method, (ii) leaching and surface characteristics in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) over a period of time.

METHODOLOGY

Surface characteristics in HBSS were evaluated under the scanning electron microscope after 1 and 28 days, and the leaching of both sealers were assessed by inductively coupled plasma atomic absorption spectrometry (ICP-AAS). In addition, 24 single rooted extracted teeth were root filled using warm vertical compaction with either MTAS or PCS used as sealers with gutta-percha. Four teeth were used as positive and negative controls. Sealing ability was evaluated after 1 or 28 days using the fluid filtration method.

RESULTS

Mineral trioxide aggregate sealer exhibited crystalline deposits rich in calcium and phosphorus on its surface when in contact with a physiological solution. These crystalline deposits were absent in PCS and on MTAS stored at 100% humidity. The sealing ability of MTAS was similar to that of PCS.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel sealer based on mineral trioxide aggregate had comparable sealing ability to a proprietary brand sealer cement. In contact with a simulated body fluid, the MTA sealer released calcium ions in solution that encouraged the deposition of calcium phosphate crystals.

A comparative evaluation of 3 root canal filling systems

OBJECTIVE

This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate and compare the microbial leakage of a new obturation system: Guttaflow with resin-based Resilon cones and Epiphany sealer, keeping gutta-percha with AH plus sealer as the standard.

STUDY DESIGN

The microbial leakage was tested using Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29,212 as the bacterial marker in the microbial leakage test. These results were supplemented with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The microbial leakage test indicated good sealing abilities for Resilon and Guttaflow, with the latter resisting microbial leakage for a longer period. AH plus with gutta-percha showed poor sealing ability. Results of the scanning electron microscopy correlated with the microbial leakage test. This study indicates that newer obturation systems like Guttaflow and Resilon cones with Epiphany provide better seal against microbial leakage than the standard obturation material, gutta-percha used with AH plus sealer.

Physicochemical properties, sealing ability, bond strength and cytotoxicity of a new dimethacrylate-based root canal sealer

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Resin-based root canal sealer can bond to dentin and establish a hermetic seal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties, sealing ability, cytotoxicity and bond strength of a new resin-based root canal sealer (NRCS).

METHODS

The physicochemical properties were assessed by the flow, setting time, solubility, film thickness, radiopacity and dimensional changes. Sixty premolar root samples were filled with either Resilon/NRCS or Resilon/Epiphany and sectioned perpendicularly at the long axis at 2 mm below the cemento-enamel junction into 1-mm serial slices. The bond strength was tested by a universal testing machine. The glucose microleakage model was used to test the sealing ability. Elutes of NRCS and Epiphany were co-cultured with human periodontal ligament cells to test the cytotoxicity.

RESULTS

All the physicochemical properties of NRCS conformed to ISO 6876:2001(E). The root samples filled with Resilon/NRCS had significantly less leakage (p < 0.01) and greater bond strength (p < 0.001) than the Resilon/Epiphany group had. Environmental scanning electron microscopy showed that Resilon/NRCS filling material was intimately bonded to the root dentin. Although NRCS was slightly toxic to human periodontal ligament cells, its cytotoxicity was significantly less than that of Epiphany (p < 0.01)

CONCLUSION

NRCS has better physicochemical and sealing properties, as well as lower cytotoxicity and microleakage than Epiphany has.

MTA and F-doped MTA cements used as sealers with warm gutta-percha. Long-term study of sealing ability

AIM

To evaluate the long-term sealing ability (up to 6 months) of two experimental calcium silicate MTA cements used as root canal sealers in association with warm gutta-percha.

METHODOLOGY

Calcium silicate (MTA) and calcium-fluoro-silicate powders were prepared. Sodium fluoride was included in FMTA (Fluoride-doped Mineral Trioxide Aggregate) as an expansive and retardant agent. Single-rooted teeth were instrumented with NiTi rotary instruments, filled with warm gutta-percha in association with one of the experimental sealers or with AH Plus as a control (n = 20 for each sealer) and stored at 37 °C. Sealing was assessed at 24, 48 h, 1, 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6 months by a fluid filtration method. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis (SEM/EDX) was used to study the dentine/sealer interface of roots stored for 6 months and the surface of cement disks stored for 24 h.

RESULTS

All sealers revealed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05) in fluid filtration after the first 2 weeks. No statistically significant differences were observed between FMTA and AH Plus at all analysis times. At short times (24, 48-h), no statistically significant differences were found between the experimental cements and AH Plus. At long-term evaluations (1, 3, 6 months), FMTA and AH Plus sealed significantly better (P < 0.05) than MTA. FMTA was associated with lower fluid filtration rates, and the seal was stable from 48 h to 6 months, thus proving the most effective material. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis of root sections filled with calcium silicate sealers revealed the formation of a blend layer of gutta-percha and cement consequent to the warm gutta-percha condensation technique. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis of 24-h-stored disks identified a Ca-rich coating on the outer surface consisting of globular particles (calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate), and a deeper internal Ca- and Si-rich region consisting of needle-like ettringite crystals and round formations of calcium silicate hydrate gel.

CONCLUSION

Fluoride-doped MTA demonstrated stable sealing during a period of up to 6 months and significantly better than conventional calcium silicate MTA cements and comparable to AH Plus. The study supports the suitability of calcium silicate MTA cements as sealers in association with warm gutta-percha for root filling.

Comparative analysis of leakage in root canal fillings performed with gutta-percha and Resilon cones with AH Plus and Epiphany sealers

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the leakage of root canal fillings of gutta-percha or Resilon cones in association with AH Plus or Epiphany sealer.

STUDY DESIGN

Four groups of premolars (n = 64) were instrumented to size 45/.04 ProFile and filled with laterally compacted gutta-percha cones or Resilon cones in association with AH Plus or Epiphany sealer. The specimens were stored for 2 weeks at 37 degrees C and 100% humidity. After that, leakage was measured using the fluid filtration method and determined as microL/min.10 psi.

RESULTS

Homogeneity of variance and multiple comparisons tests were performed and indicated that root fillings with the combination of gutta-percha cones and AH Plus sealer showed lower leakage values (P < .05) than the other groups.

CONCLUSION

Considering the experimental conditions and the results obtained, it was concluded that fillings made with gutta-percha cones in combination with AH Plus sealer had the best performance.

Adhesion of an endodontic sealer to dentin and gutta-percha: shear and push-out bond strength measurements and SEM analysis

The use of an adequate method for evaluation of the adhesion of root canal filling materials provides more reliable results to allow comparison of the materials and substantiate their clinical choice. The aims of this study were to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) test and push-out test for evaluation of the adhesion of an epoxy-based endodontic sealer (AH Plus) to dentin and guttapercha, and to assess the failure modes on the debonded surfaces by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Three groups were established (n=7): in group 1, root cylinders obtained from human canines were embedded in acrylic resin and had their canals prepared and filled with sealer; in group 2, longitudinal sections of dentin cylinders were embedded in resin with the canal surface smoothed and turned upwards; in group 3, gutta-percha cylinders were embedded in resin. Polyethylene tubes filled with sealer were positioned on the polished surface of the specimens (groups 2 and 3). The push-out test (group 1) and the SBS test (groups 2 and 3) were performed in an Instron universal testing machine running at crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Means (±SD) in MPa were: G1 (8.8±1.13), G2 (5.9±1.05) and G3 (3.8±0.55). Statistical analysis by ANOVA and Student's t-test (α=0.05) revealed statistically significant differences (p<0.01) among the groups. SEM analysis showed a predominance of adhesive and mixed failures of AH Plus sealer. The tested surface affected significantly the results with the sealer reaching higher bond strength to dentin than to guttapercha with the SBS test. The comparison of the employed methodologies showed that the SBS test produced significantly lower bond strength values than the push-out test, was skilful in determining the adhesion of AH Plus sealer to dentin and gutta-percha, and required specimens that could be easily prepared for SEM, presenting as a viable alternative for further experiments.