Evaluation of apical microleakage of teeth sealed with four different root canal sealers

Nanoarchitectonics-Based Materials as a Promising Strategy in the Treatment of Endodontic Infections

Endodontic infections arise from the interactive activities of microbial communities colonizing in the intricate root canal system. The present study aims to update the latest knowledge of nanomaterials, their antimicrobial mechanisms, and their applications in endodontics. A detailed literature review of the current knowledge of nanomaterials used in endodontic applications was performed using the PubMed database. Antimicrobial nanomaterials with a small size, large specific surface area, and high chemical activity are introduced to act as irrigants, photosensitizer delivery systems, and medicaments, or to modify sealers. The application of nanomaterials in the endodontic field could enhance antimicrobial efficiency, increase dentin tubule penetration, and improve treatment outcomes. This study supports the potential of nanomaterials as a promising strategy in treating endodontic infections.

Comparative Evaluation of the Apical Sealability of AH Plus and RealSeal SE Using 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite with 17% EDTA and 10% Citric Acid as Irrigants-An In Vitro Study

Background

Apical microleakage is considered to be a common reason for the clinical failure of endodontic therapy. Three dimensional sealing of the root canal is one of the main goals of endodontic treatment and is essential for preventing reinfection of the canal and for preserving the health of the periapical tissues, Recently Epoxy resin sealers have been used because of their reduced solubility apical seal and micro-retention to root dentine.

Aim and Objective

This in vitro study was done to evaluate and compare the apical sealability of AH Plus and RealSeal SE using 5.25% sodium hypochlorite with 17% EDTA and 10% citric acid as irrigants. Materials and methods: 44 single-rooted premolars were selected and the teeth are randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10) and 2 control groups (n=2). The extent of dye penetration, from the apical to the coronal part of the root canal, was assessed using a stereomicroscope at 10x magnification for all groups.One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to compare statistically significant differences among the groups, using SPSS software version 10.0.

Results

Group IV (Citric acid + RealSeal SE) showed a statistically lower mean microleakage when compared to all other groups.

Conclusion

From, the present study, it was concluded that, RealSeal SE sealer with 10% citric acid as irrigant (group IV) showed better apical sealability followed by RealSeal SE sealer with 17% EDTA as irrigant (group III), when compared to AH Plus groups which showed least sealability.

What Are the Chances of Resilon to Dominate the Market Filling Materials for Endodontics?

This paper is a literature review with additional virtual analyses of the authors’ own experimental research results. Knowledge from various areas was synergistically combined, appropriately for concurrent engineering, presenting several possible methodological approaches used in research, optimizing the selection of engineering materials and the conditions of their application with particular application in endodontics. Particular attention was paid to the theoretical aspects of filling material strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats SWOT analysis. Attention was paid to the original concepts of Sustainable Dentistry Development in conjunction with Dentistry 4.0, which includes endodontics as an important element. The dentists’ actions, among others, in conservative dentistry, along with endodontics, requires close cooperation with engineers and the enginering sciences. Methods of root canal preparation were described, together with selected tools, including those made of nitinol. Principles concerning the process of cleaning and shaping the pulp complex are presented. The importance of obturation methods, including the Thermo-Hydraulic-Condensation THC technique, and the selection of filling materials with the necessary sealants for the success of endodontic treatment are discussed. The experimental studies were carried out in vitro on human teeth removed for medical reasons, except for caries, for which two groups of 16 teeth were separated. After the root canal was prepared, it was filled with studs and pellets of a filling material based on polyester materials, which has gained the common trade name of resilon or, less frequently, RealSeal (SybronEndo) with an epiphany sealant. The teeth for the first group were obturated by cold lateral condensation. In the second case the obturation was performed using the Thermo-Hydraulic-Condensation technique using System B and Obtura III. The experimental leakage testing was done using a scanning electron microscope SEM and a light stereoscopic microscope LSM, as typical research tools used in materialography. The research results, in a confrontation with the data taken from the literature studies, do not indicate the domination of resilon in endodontics.

In vitro Assessment of Apical Microleakage of Teeth Sealed with Three Different Root Canal Sealers: A Comparative Study

Background

For the success of an endodontic treatment, a hermetic seal is of utmost importance. The event of entry of cariogenic bacteria through the interface between the tooth and the restoration of a proliferation of these microbes and subsequent adverse effects on the pulpal tissue or recurrent caries can be expected. Hence, the present study was undertaken for evaluating the apical microleakage of teeth sealed with four different root canal sealers.

Materials and Methods

Collection of a total of ninety freshly extracted mandibular first premolars was done for the present study. Establishment of working length was done by measuring the root canal length and subtracting 1 mm from it. All the specimens were divided into three study groups as follows: Group A: Endofill sealer group, Group B: EndoREZ sealer group, and Group C: AH Plus group. The resin points were supplied with the sealer (according to their respective study groups), and obturation was done. Application of four layers of nail polish was done on the entire tooth surface leaving the apical 2 mm portion. This was followed by immersion of the specimens in the India ink followed by storage for 1 week at room temperature. Afterward, thorough washing of the specimens was done in running water. Removal of the nail polish was done. All the specimens were observed under microscope for assessing the extent of dye penetration.

Results

The mean apical dye penetration among specimens of Group A, Group B, and Group C was found to be 0.86 mm, 0.39 mm, and 0.03 mm, respectively. While comparing statistically, significant results were obtained. The mean apical dye penetration was highest for Group A and was lowest for Group C.

Conclusion

Minimal microleakage is exhibited by a resin-based sealer. Hence, they provide a better apical seal in patients undergoing root canal therapy.

Virtual Approach to the Comparative Analysis of Biomaterials Used in Endodontic Treatment

The importance of endodontics is presented within our own concept of Dentistry Sustainable Development (DSD) consisting of three inseparable elements; i.e., Advanced Interventionist Dentistry 4.0 (AID 4.0), Global Dental Prevention (GDP), and the Dentistry Safety System (DSS) as a polemic, with the hypothesis of the need to abandon interventionist dentistry in favour of the domination of dental prevention. In view of the numerous systemic complications of caries that affect 3−5 billion people globally, endodontic treatment effectively counteracts them. Regardless of this, the prevention of oral diseases should be developed very widely, and in many countries dental care should reach the poorest sections of society. The materials and methods of clinical management in endodontic procedures are characterized. The progress in the field of filling materials and techniques for the development and obturation of root canals is presented. The endodontics market is forecast to reach USD 2.1 billion in 2026, with a CAGR of 4.1%. The most widely used and recognized material for filling root canals is gutta-percha, recognized as the “gold standard”. An alternative is a synthetic thermoplastic filler material based on polyester materials, known mainly under the trade name Resilon. There are still sceptical opinions about the need to replace gutta-percha with this synthetic material, and many dentists still believe that this material cannot compete with gutta-percha. The results of studies carried out so far do not allow for the formulation of a substantively and ethically unambiguous view that gutta-percha should be replaced with another material. There is still insufficient clinical evidence to formulate firm opinions in this regard. In essence, materials and technologies used in endodontics do not differ from other groups of materials, which justifies using material engineering methodology for their research. Therefore, a detailed methodological approach is presented to objectify the assessment of endodontic treatment. Theoretical analysis was carried out using the methods of procedural benchmarking and comparative analysis with the use of contextual matrices to virtually optimize the selection of materials, techniques for the development and obturation of root canals, and methods for assessing the effectiveness of filling, which methods are usually used, e.g., in management science, and especially in foresight research as part of knowledge management. The results of these analyses are presented in the form of appropriate context matrices. The full usefulness of the research on the effectiveness and tightness of root canal filling using scanning electron microscopy is indicated. The analysis results are a practical application of the so-called “digital twins” approach concerning the virtual comparative analysis of biomaterials used in endodontic treatment.

The effect of smear layer removal on E. faecalis leakage and bond strength of four resin-based root canal sealers

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to assess bacterial sealability and bonding ability of methacrylate-based Resilon (RS, SybronEndo), Endo Rez (ER, Ultradent Products Inc), and epoxy-based AH Plus (AH, Dentsply/DeTrey), MTA Fill Apex (MTAF, Angelus Soluções Odontológicas) root canal sealers, and the effect of the smear layer removal on the sealability.

METHODS

One hundred thirty root segments were instrumented up to apical size #60 and rinsed with 2.5% NaOCl. Half of the roots were rinsed with 5ml 17% EDTA to remove the smear layer. All the roots were filled with AH, ER, MTAF sealers and gutta-percha, or RS with Resilon cones. After storage at 37°C for 7 days the samples were mounted into bacterial leakage assay for 50 days. Another 100 roots were instrumented and rinsed as described above, split longitudinally, cut into the cervical, middle and apical parts. The sealers were injected through the plastic mould on the dentin surface. After 7 days of incubation at 37°C, bond strength was tested using a notched-edge test fixture (Crosshead, Ultradent Products Inc.) and a universal testing machine (Lloyd Instruments).

RESULTS

AH revealed the longest mean time for bacterial resistance by 29.4 and 36.8 days (with and without smear layer, respectively) followed by RS (15.1 and 24.7 days, respectively). The difference between materials was significant (p<0.001). Bond strength values ranged from 0.2± 0.1 to 3.5± 0.7 MPa and increased from the apical to the cervical third. In the apical third, AH showed the highest mean (SD) bond values 1.4 (0.4) MPa and 1.7 (0.6) MPa (with and without smear, respectively, followed by RS, 0.5 (0.1) MPa and 0.8 (0.1) MPa, respectively. The difference between materials was significant (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

The effect of the smear layer removal on the sealability was material-dependent.

Stereomicroscopic Dye Leakage Measurement of Six Different Root Canal Sealers

INTRODUCTION

Hermetic sealing of the root canal is the most desirable outcome of any root canal treatment, but almost always the filling of the root canal is defective, which is a multifactorial outcome. One such factor majorly influencing the obturation is the root canal sealer used.

AIM

The present study was done for evaluating microleakage in different root canal sealers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty extracted human single rooted teeeth were used in this in-vitro study. Sealers tested for microleakage in this study were zinc oxide eugenol based sealer, Sealapex, AH Plus, MTA Plus, EndoRez, Endosequence BC. All the specimens were examined under stereomicroscope for microleakage and the obtained data were statistically analysed using One-way ANOVA test and Tukey's multiple comparision tests using the software GraphPad Prism 7.02.

RESULTS

The Endosequence BC group showed the least dye leakage and the highest leakage was seen in Zinc oxide Eugenol based sealer.

CONCLUSION

Bio ceramic salers being hydrophilic show better sealing ability compared to resin based and eugenol based sealers.

An in vitro comparison of three delivery techniques for obturation of root canals in primary molars

AIM

This in vitro study evaluated the efficacy of three different obturation techniques with regards to quality of two filling pastes-Ca(OH)₂/iodoform syringe paste and zinc oxide eugenol paste in primary molars.

METHODS

Root canals of 45 extracted primary molars were prepared and randomly divided into three groups of 15 teeth each. Group A-canals were filled with Ca(OH)₂/iodoform syringe paste, Group B-zinc oxide eugenol paste with handheld lentulo spiral and Group C-zinc oxide eugenol paste with rotary lentulo spiral. The quality of filled root canals was evaluated with conventional radiography in antero-posterior and lateral dimensions.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between all groups in the presence of voids (p = 0.03) and length of filling (p = 0.002). Half of the sampled teeth in handheld lentulo spiral group had voids in the filled canals, while 80% of the teeth filled with Ca(OH)₂/iodoform syringe resulted in overfilling of the paste.

CONCLUSIONS

All three delivery methods for the obturation of primary molars' root canals showed inherent limitations in terms of voids and quality of filling. Voids are inevitable and were present in all the techniques. Overfilling was more frequently seen with the syringe method, while the lentulo spiral technique, both handheld and rotary, showed a better quality of filling.

Apical Microleakage of four Materials after Root End Resection (In Vitro Study)

Hermetic sealing of the apical area after root end resection is essential to the success of endodontic surgery. To compare microleakage after root end resection of the two bioceramic sealers without retrograde filling - Total Fill BC Sealer and MTA Fillapex, and two materials for retrograde filling-MTA and Biodentine, using the method of penetration of dye - 2% methylene blue. Forty eight extracted single-rooted human teeth were used in this study. The resection was made at 3 mm from the root tip at an angle of 90 degree to the long axis of the tooth. The teeth were divided into 4 groups: 1st group (n = 9) - root canal obturation with Total Fill BC Sealer without retrograde filling; 2nd group (n = 8) - root canal obturation with MTA Fillapex without retrograde filling. 3rd group (n = 10) - retrograde ultrasonic cavity preparation and filling with MTA. 4th group (n = 8) - retrograde ultrasonic cavity preparation and filling with Biodentine. The outer surface of the root was covered with two layers of varnish, with the exception of the apical 3 mm and then immersed in 2% methylene blue for 72 h. The degree of penetration of the dye is measured in millimeters. The data was entered and processed with the statistical package IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0. We reject the null hypothesis when p < 0.05. With significantly higher value is the arithmetic mean of the group with the root canal obturation with Total Fill BC Sealer without retrograde filling - 2,01 mm; versus a retrograde filling with MTA - 0,68 mm and Biodentin - 0,51 mm; and no statistically significant difference with the group root canal obturation with MTA Fillapex - 1,76 mm. In the four material microleakage dye was observed, but to varying degrees.

A spectro photometric comparative evaluation of apical sealing ability of three different sealers; calcium hydroxide based, resin based and zinc oxide eugenol based sealers

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to quantitatively analyze the amount of dye leakage with AH26, Sealapex and Tubliseal sealers in endodonticaly treated teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 36 extracted mandibular molar specimens were divided into three groups; Group I: Sealapex, Group II: Tubliseal, Group II: AH26 with 12 samples in each group. Standard access cavity and biomechanical preparation was done with step back flare technique. Obturations were done using respective sealers in the three different groups. Then, samples were subjected to spectro photometric analysis using a filter of 670 nm. Spectrophotometric analysis was performed to quantitatively analyze the amount of dye leakage with all three sealers.

RESULTS

Tubliseal exhibited the least microleakage. In comparison to Sealapex, Tubliseal showed a significant difference. Compared to Sealapex, AH26 showed no significant difference. Comparisons made between Tubliseal and AH26 showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, Tubliseal sealer showed least microleage compared with Sealapex and AH26 sealer.

Microleakage of adhesive resinous materials in root canals

AIM

The purpose of this study was to compare the in vitro micro-leakage resistance of adhesive resin materials to long-used zinc oxide-eugenol and epoxy resin sealers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven materials, five test (Real Seal, Real Seal XT, Panavia F 2.0, Infinity Syringeable, GCEM) and two controls (Tubliseal, AH Plus), were evaluated for micro-leakage resistance in a bovine incisor root model, with 12 roots per material. Teeth were root canal treated, stored in water, artificially aged by thermal-cycling, stained with silver nitrate, sectioned to yield eight measurement points per tooth (four coronal and four apical), giving 672 measurement points. Stain penetration was measured using digital positioners and a toolmakers microscope; then analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-way analysis of variance and multiple comparisons testing (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

All modern adhesive resinous materials leaked significantly less than long-used zinc oxide-eugenol and epoxy resin sealers (P < 0.05). Mean leakage values and their associated (standard deviations) in mm were: Infinity Syringeable 2.5 (1.5), Real Seal XT 3.2 (1.4), Real Seal 3.4 (1.6), Panavia F 2.0 3.8 (2.7), GCEM 4.2 (1.8), Tubli-seal 5.4 (2.8), AH Plus 6.3 (2.3). Overall, more leakage occurred apically than coronally (P < 0.0001). Many materials exhibited dimensional instability: Marked contraction, expansion, or lack of cohesion.

CONCLUSION

A variety of adhesive resinous materials, endodontic sealers and crown cements, reduced micro-leakage in comparison to long and widely used zinc oxide- eugenol and epoxy sealers.

An in vitro evaluation of microtensile bond strength of resin-based sealer with dentin treated with diode and Nd:YAG laser

BACKGROUND

Smear layer is a negative factor which prevents adhesion of the filling material to the dentinal walls. Recent advances in dental research have incorporated lasers as a potential adjunct in root canal treatment by removing the smear layer before filling the root canal system, enhancing the adhesion of sealers to dentin and improving the sealing ability.

AIM

To evaluate the microtensile bond strength of AH-Plus resin-based sealer to dentin after treatment with 980 nm diode and 1,064 nm neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty specimens prepared for three groups namely group I (control), group II (980 nm diode-lased specimens) and group III (Nd:YAG-lased specimens). One tooth from each group was observed under scanning electron microscope for evaluation of intracanal root dentin morphology. Remaining specimens were used for making microsections by hard tissue microtome. Specimens for groups II and III were lased with 980 nm diode and 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser. AH Plus sealer was applied onto specimens and mounted onto Instron universal testing machine for microtensile bond strength testing. Results were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test.

RESULTS

Group III Nd:YAG had maximum mean microtensile bond strength values (11.558 ± 0.869), followed by group II diode (9.073 ± 0.468) and group I control (6.05 ± 0.036). Statistically significant differences were seen among all the groups. SEM analysis shows removal of smear layer in both groups II and III.

CONCLUSION

Both Nd:YAG and diode laser were more effective than control group in improving the microtensile bond strength of AH Plus sealer to dentin.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Lasers have the potential to increase the adhesiveness of root canal sealer to dentin surface, thereby improving the quality of root canal obturation.

Effectiveness of gutta-percha and Resilon in filling lateral root canals using thermomechanical technique

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of gutta-percha and Resilon in filling lateral root canals in cervical, middle, and apical third using a thermomechanical technique. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Root canals of artificial teeth were prepared using a standard preparation. The lateral canals were fabricated using a 0.3-mm-diameter bur at 3 parts of each root. By using Tagger's hybrid technique with a McSpadden thermomechanical compactor, the root canal was filled using the following filling materials: Dentsply gutta-percha, Endopoint gutta-percha, and Resilon cones. The root canal fillings were evaluated using digitized radiographs and the Image Tool software. The percentage of filled area of each lateral canal was determined. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests at a 5% significance level. RESULT: Resilon showed better effectiveness as a filling material. When the three thirds were compared, Resilon was more effective in the apical third than in the cervical third (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Resilon is an effective filling material for lateral root canals using a thermomechanical technique.

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.

pH and calcium ion release evaluation of pure and calcium hydroxide-containing Epiphany for use in retrograde filling

Objective

Hydroxyl (OH^-) and calcium (Ca⁺⁺) ion release was evaluated in six materials: G1) Sealer 26, G2) White mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), G3) epiphany, G4) epiphany + 10% calcium hydroxide (CH), G5) epiphany + 20% CH, and G6) zinc oxide and eugenol.

Material and Methods

Specimens were placed in polyethylene tubes and immersed in distilled water. After 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h, 7, 14, and 28 days, the water was assessed for pH with a pH meter and for Ca⁺⁺ release by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Results

G1, G2, G4, and G5 had the highest pH until 14 days (p<0.05). G1 presented the highest Ca⁺⁺ release until 6 h, and G4 and G5, from 12 h through 14 days. Ca⁺⁺ release was greater for G1 and G2 at 28 days. G6 released the least Ca⁺⁺.

Conclusion

MTA, Sealer 26, epiphany, and epiphany + CH release OH ^- and Ca⁺⁺ ions. Epiphany + CH may be an alternative as retrofilling material.

Comparison of the Degree of Conversion of Resin Based Endodontic Sealers Using the DSC Technique

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the degree of conversion (DC) of three resin based endodontic sealers using the DSC technique.

METHODS

THE SEALERS TESTED WERE: EndoREZ (ER) (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT); EndoREZ with Accelerator (ER+A) (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT); RealSeal (RS) (SybronEndo, Orange, CA). Two LED units were used to activate the sealers: UltraLume LED 5 (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA); Mini LED Satelec (Satelec Acteon Group, Mérignac Cedex, France). Samples of 4.0 mg were analyzed with a DSC 7 calorimeter (Perkin Elmer Inc., Wellesley, MA, US). Each specimen was irradiated by each lamp four times for 20 seconds at an interval of 2 mins, while the DSC 7 recorded the heat flow developed during the treatment. The degree of conversion and the kinetic curves were calculated from the values of heat developed during each polymerization. The data were statistically analysed with a Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA multiple range and Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) tests at a P value of .05.

RESULTS

STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES WERE FOUND IN THE DEGREE OF CONVERSION AMONG THE SEALERS: ER+A showed the highest values with both lamps.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher polymerization rate in resin sealers is obtained with the addition of a catalyst.

Sealing ability promoted by three different endodontic sealers

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical and coronal seal of endodontic filling promoted by the combined use of Sealer 26/gutta-percha, Endofill/gutta-percha and Resilon/ Epiphany.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 38 extracted human canine teeth were selected; 10 teeth for each test group and 4 for each control group. After conducting conventional endodontic treatment, the teeth were immersed in saline solution for thirty days, and subsequently sealed and stored in India ink for seven days. They were then cleaned and evaluated for infiltration by stereoscopic microscope. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Bonferroni tests.

RESULTS

The results showed no significant differences between the three groups of filling materials used.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, no material showed superiority in their apical and coronal seal.

Microleakage of various root filling systems by glucose filtration analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microleakage of Resilon + Epiphany, EndoRez, Activ GP, and conventional AH Plus + gutta-percha technique using the glucose filtration model.

STUDY DESIGN

One hundred twenty maxillary incisors were divided into 5 experimental and 2 control groups. After root canal shaping, the experimental groups were filled with AH Plus + gutta-percha (lateral compaction), Resilon + Epiphany (lateral compaction), AH Plus + Protaper's proprietory cone, EndoRez + sealer, or Activ GP + sealer). The specimens were mounted on a glucose model and samples were taken for 3 weeks for leakage measurement.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was observed between the leakage of all groups at the 3 testing periods (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

The filling materials with the monoblock concept do not seem to be superior to the conventional AH Plus + gutta-percha system regarding microleakage.

Quality assessment of dental treatments using en-face optical coherence tomography

The present study evaluates the potential of en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a possible noninvasive high resolution method for supplying necessary information on the material defects of dental prostheses and microleakage at prosthetic interfaces. Teeth are also imaged after several treatment methods to asses material defects and microleakage at the tooth-filling interface, and the presence or absence of apical microleakage, as well as to evaluate the quality of bracket bonding on dental hard tissue. C-scan and B-scan OCT images as well as confocal images are acquired from a large range of samples. Gaps between the dental interfaces and material defects are clearly exposed.