Sealing ability of a novel hydrophilic vs. conventional hydrophobic obturation systems: A bacterial leakage study

Be Smart and Active in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics

Numerous aspects of dentistry have been transformed by smart materials. In recent years, there have been advancements in dental materials that exhibit improved biological compatibility. These materials are specifically designed to interact effectively with the fluids found in the oral cavity, including saliva and gingival crevicular fluids. The search for the optimum restorative material results in the development of a more recent generation of dental materials known as smart materials. Smart materials react to stimuli, including stress, temperature, moisture, pH, electric field, and magnetic field, in a regulated way. Some of them are biomimetic and can imitate the dentin and enamel seen in natural teeth. These resources herald the start of a new era in dentistry known as "Smart Dentistry," and they project a promising future in terms of improved dependability and efficiency. These types of diverse materials can pick up and perform definite functionalities regarding adjustments in the nearby surroundings. Based on their capacity for recognition, analysis, and discrimination, these materials might be able to foresee problems in the near future. The superior biocompatibilities of smart materials, which have brought about a new generation of biosmart dentistry, are a crucial component of their utilization in numerous dental applications. We should use any material with intelligence as we progress in innovation and advanced technology. Additionally, we should purposefully incorporate intelligence into existing materials through design. Smart materials have proven advantageous in the field of dentistry, particularly in restorative applications. Various dental products, including smart composites, resin-modified glass ionomer materials, pit, and fissure sealants releasing amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), smart ceramics, and compomers have all witnessed positive advancements due to the integration of smart materials.

Synthesis and characterization of calcium-releasing elastomeric resin-based endodontic sealers

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) loaded with one of two calcium sources (i.e., calcium hydroxide/CaOH2 or beta-tricalcium phosphate/β-TCP) on the physicochemical and biological properties of an experimental resin-based dual-cured endodontic sealer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HNTs were encapsulated with CaOH2 or β-TCP at 10 wt.%. HNTs containing CaOH2 or β-TCP were added into the experimental sealers at 50 wt.%. The control sealers were the calcium-free HNT-modified resin-based experimental sealer and AH Plus™, a commercially available endodontic sealer. Degree of conversion, setting time, flow, film thickness, radiopacity, dimensional stability, and calcium ions release were determined. Antibiofilm properties and cytocompatibility of the formulated sealers and commercial control were also evaluated. One and two-way ANOVA analysis followed by Tukey's post hoc test was conducted to evaluate the effect of the independent variable on the evaluated properties.

RESULTS

FTIR confirmed the encapsulation of calcium sources into HNTs. Regarding flow and film thickness, the values obtained from these sealers were in accordance with the specifications provided by ISO 6876. For radiopacity, AH Plus™ achieved the highest radiopacity (p<0.05). Among the experimental formulations, all experimental HNT-containing compositions exhibited values below 3 mm Al. The experimental sealers showed greater dimensional changes when compared to the commercial (AH Plus™) control. The release of calcium ions was observed for the HNT_CaOH2 and HNT_β-TCP sealers without statistical differences. Experimental sealers containing HNT_CaOH2 and HNT_β-TCP significantly reduced the CFU/mL count and showed cell compatibility.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study demonstrate that the incorporation of HNT_CaOH2 or HNT_β-TCP into resin-based experimental sealers promoted antimicrobial effects and gradual calcium release without impairing cytocompatibility or physicochemical properties of the sealers. Still, an adjustment to reach the minimal radiopacity established by ISO 6876 is needed.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The experimental resin-based sealers seemed to be an alternative for endodontics. The incorporation of calcium sources exerts promising antimicrobial effects while displaying low cell toxicity.

Micro-CT assessment of gap-containing areas along the gutta-percha-sealer interface in oval-shaped canals

AIM

To assess the interfacial adaptation (gap-containing areas) of two root canal sealers (EndoSequence BC Sealer and AH Plus) to a conventional gutta-percha (GP) cone (GP-sealer interface) in oval-shaped canals filled using the single cone technique.

METHODOLOGY

Sixteen teeth with oval-shaped canals were selected, scanned in a micro-computed tomographic device, and pair-matched according to the volume, aspect ratio and configuration of root canals. Root canals were then sequentially prepared with WaveOne Gold Primary and Large instruments, followed by filling with WaveOne Large GP points associated with either the premixed calcium-silicate EndoSequence BC Sealer or the epoxy resin-based AH Plus sealer (n = 8 per group) using the single cone technique. After 7 days stored in phosphate-buffered saline solution at 37°C, the specimens were rescanned and the reconstructed images segmented in order to differentiate the filling materials (sealer and GP cone) to the dentine. A total of 453 cross-sectional slices were assessed and categorized according to the presence or absence of gaps at the GP-sealer interface. Mann-Whitney U-test verified the differences between groups and were considered significant at alpha = 5%.

RESULTS

Gaps were non-homogenously distributed in two-dimensional axial cross-section images and none of the specimens showed completely gap-free areas along the entire GP-sealer interface. Root canals filled with EndoSequence BC Sealer and AH Plus displayed 171 (37.75%) and 136 (30.02%) slices with gaps in the GP-sealer interface and these frequencies were statistically significant (p = .000).

CONCLUSIONS

Although none of the specimens had a gap-free area along the entire GP-sealer interface, oval canals filled with AH Plus showed less gaps than the ones filled with EndoSequence BC Sealer.

Influence of adjunctive photodynamic therapy (curcumin) on the extrusion bond strength of radicular dentin to contemporary root canal sealers

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to compare Photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunct to NaOCl and EDTA on the extrusion bond strength (EBS) of AH Plus (AH), Sealapex (SA) and MTA Fillapex (MF) root canal sealers.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Root canal treatment for human teeth (n = 60) using protaper universal system was performed followed by irrigation with NaOCl/ EDTA. Samples were divided (n = 30) based on disinfection technique, NaOCl/EDTA and NaOCl/EDTA with PDT (Curcumin-PS-CP) as an adjunct. Specimens were divided in three subgroups (n = 10) based on sealers used (Gp 1-Na-E-AH, Gp 2-Na-E-PDT-AH, Gp 3-Na-E-SA, Gp 4-Na-E-PDT-SA, Gp 5-Na-E-MF & Gp 6-Na-E-PDT-MF). Canals were dried and obturated followed by sectioning at coronal and middle third. EBS testing was performed using a universal testing machine (UTM) and modes of failure were assessed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey multiple comparison tests were used to compare the means of EBS. (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Sealers showed a significant influence on EBS, as Gp 1 (Co: 9.21 ± 0.62, Mid: 8.54 ± 0.55) and Gp 2 (Co: 7.11 ± 0.68, Mid: 7.30 ± 0.37) showed higher EBS than Gp 3 (Co: 5.21 ± 0.63, Mid: 4.36 ± 0.83) and Gp 4 (Co: 5.39 ± 0.72, Mid: 4.46 ± 0.74). Gp 5 (Co: 9.04 ± 0.13, Mid: 8.14 ± 0.91) and Gp 6 (Co: 8.67 ± 0.42, Mid: 8.07 ± 0.07) exhibited higher EBS than Gp 3 and Gp 4 specimens. Adjunctive use of PDT for AH sealer (Gp 2) showed decreased EBS compared to Gp 1 specimens. EBS remained comparable for both MTA-Fillapex and Sealapex with and without PDT.

CONCLUSION

AH Plus (Gp 1 and 2) and MTA-Fillapex (Gp 5 and 6) sealers displayed better EBS compared to Sealapex (Group 3 and 4). Adjunctive Application of PDT (CP) did not show a significant improvement in bond strength of sealers to root dentin.

Sealing Ability of AH Plus and GuttaFlow Bioseal

The objective of root canal obturation is to achieve a fluid-tight seal. Recently, GuttaFlow bioseal (GB), a root canal sealer composed of polydimethylsiloxane, gutta-percha particles, and bioactive glass ceramics, has been developed, to enhance the sealing ability of root canal filling material. The objective of this study was to assess the sealing ability of GB using a subnanoliter-scaled fluid-flow measuring device and to compare with that of AH Plus (AH). The fluid flow in root canal-filled teeth using either gutta-percha cone (GP) with AH (GAR; n = 10) or GP with GB (GBR; n = 10) and in GP inserted in AH blocks (GA; n = 10) or GP inserted in GB blocks (GB; n = 10) was measured. In addition, fluid flow in sealer blocks of AH (A; n = 10) and GB (B; n = 10), which served as negative controls, was measured. Root canal-filled teeth using GP without any sealer (GR) acted as positive controls (n = 10). The leakage was obtained by calculating the volume of moved water by time (s), after stabilization of the fluid flow was achieved. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction. A p value less than 0.00238 (0.05/21) was considered significantly different. The mean leakages (nL/s) in the groups are as follows: GAR, 0.0958 ± 0.0543; GBR, 0.0223 ± 0.0246; GA, 0.0644 ± 0.0803; GB, 0.0267 ± 0.0182; A, 0.0055 ± 0.0057; B, 0.0052 ± 0.005; and GR, 0.2892 ± 0.3018. The mean leakage in the GBR group was lower than that in the GAR group (p = 0.001), while the mean leakages in the GA and GB groups were not significantly different. GuttaFlow bioseal can be useful in single-cone obturation technique.

Hermetic Seal in Obturation: An Achievable Goal with Recently Introduced Cpoint

Aim and objectives

To evaluate and compare the dentinal microcrack formation after obturation using CPoint and gutta percha as root canal filling materials.

Materials and methods

Forty orthodontically extracted single-rooted premolars were selected. The teeth were decoronated and were then divided into four groups (n = 10). In group I, samples were left unprepared and unfilled (negative control), in group II, samples were prepared and left unobturated (positive control), in group III, samples were prepared and obturation was done with Cpoint (F3) and endosequence bioceramic sealer, and in group IV, samples were prepared and obturation was done with Protaper gutta percha (F3) and endosequence bioceramic sealer. Then, the samples were kept for 1 week at 37°C and 100% humidity. All roots were then sectioned at 2 mm from the apex. Additional cross sections at a 4 mm level were made in groups III and IV. Then, the sections were observed under a scanning electron microscope and the presence of dentinal microcracks was checked.

Results

There was statistically nonsignificant difference for a mean number of microcracks in the samples after obturation with CPoint and gutta percha.

Conclusion

CPoint can be used as an alternative to gutta percha as it provides better seal because of its lateral hygroscopic expansion without causing significant damage to the dentinal microstructure.

Clinical significance

In spite of gutta percha being the gold standard in obturating material, still the desired hermetic seal could not be achieved. To achieve this attainable goal, a new material CPoint had been introduced, which has the ability to undergo hygroscopic expansion within the root canal.

How to cite this article

Somani R, Jaidka S, Singh DJ, et al. Hermetic Seal in Obturation: An Achievable Goal with Recently Introduced Cpoint. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(5):410-413.

In vitro evaluation of the contact angle formed between AH Plus, Hybrid Root Seal and mineral trioxide aggregate Plus sealer with dentin and gutta-percha

Aim:

The purpose of this study was evaluation and comparison of the contact angle of new root canal sealers – Hybrid Root Seal, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Plus, and the conventional AH Plus sealer with dentin and gutta-percha.

Materials and Methods:

Two groups (Group D – dentin and Group G – gutta-percha) of 18 samples each were further randomly divided into 3 subgroups based on the type of sealer used, that is, AH Plus, Hybrid Root Seal, and MTA Plus. Contact angle measurement device (Phoenix 300) was used to measure the contact angle of the sealers on both dentin and gutta-percha. The results thus obtained were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Student's t-test.

Results:

MTA Plus recorded significantly higher values of contact angle on both the substrates, that is, dentin and gutta-percha when compared to AH Plus and Hybrid root canal sealer. The lowest value of contact angle in gutta-percha and dentin was shown by Hybrid root canal sealer and AH Plus, respectively.

Conclusion:

Both AH Plus and Hybrid Root Seal exhibited lower contact angle values, and hence, better wettability on both dentin and gutta-percha as compared to MTA Plus.

Apical dye leakage of two single-cone root canal core materials (hydrophilic core material and gutta-percha) sealed by different types of endodontic sealers: An in vitro study

Aim of the Study:

The aim of this study was to compare the apical sealing ability of two single-cone filling materials when sealed with different types of root canal sealers.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty extracted maxillary and mandibular canines were selected and their crowns were cut. The root canals were prepared using ProTaper Universal rotary system until size F4 and then divided into seven experimental groups (n = 10 each) and two control groups (n = 5 each). Samples of Groups 1, 2, and 3 were filled with single-cone gutta-percha and AH Plus, MTA Fillapex, and EndoSequence BC, respectively. Samples of Groups 4, 5, and 6 were filled similar to the previous groups with the exception of using a single-cone CPoint. Samples of Group 7 were filled with cold gutta-percha lateral condensation technique. To assess apical microleakage, the apical linear dye penetration was measured microscopically and data were statistically analyzed.

Results:

All experimental groups showed significantly different dye apical leakage values (P = 0.000). No significant differences were found between Groups 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 (P < 0.05). The lowest mean leakage value was observed in Group 6 (0.95 ± 0.56 mm) while Groups 3 (2.68 ± 0.71 mm) and 5 (2.61 ± 0.71 mm) showed significantly higher mean leakage values.

Conclusions:

The lowest apical leakage value was observed with single-cone CPoint/EndoSequence BC but without significant differences when compared with single-cone gutta-percha/AH Plus, single-cone gutta-percha/MTA Fillapex, single-cone CPoint/AH Plus, and lateral condensation technique. Higher apical leakage values were observed with single-cone gutta-percha/EndoSequence BC and CPoint/MTA Fillapex.

An In vitro Comparison and Evaluation of Sealing Ability of Newly Introduced C-point System, Cold Lateral Condensation, and Thermoplasticized Gutta-Percha Obturating Technique: A Dye Extraction Study

Aim

The aim of this study is to compare and to evaluate sealing ability of newly introduced C-point system, cold lateral condensation, and thermoplasticized gutta-percha obturating technique using a dye extraction method.

Materials and Methodology

Sixty extracted maxillary central incisors were decoronated below the cementoenamel junction. Working length was established, and biomechanical preparation was done using K3 rotary files with standard irrigation protocol. Teeth were divided into three groups according to the obturation protocol; Group I-Cold lateral condensation, Group II-Thermoplasticized gutta-percha, and Group III-C-Point obturating system. After obturation all samples were subjected to microleakage assessment using dye extraction method. Obtained scores will be statistical analyzed using ANOVA test and post hoc Tukey's test.

Results

One-way analysis of variance revealed that there is significant difference among the three groups with P value (0.000 < 0.05). Tukey's HSD post hoc tests for multiple comparisons test shows that the Group II and III perform significantly better than Group I. Group III performs better than Group II with no significant difference.

Conclusion

All the obturating technique showed some degree of microleakage. Root canals filled with C-point system showed least microleakage followed by thermoplasticized obturating technique with no significant difference among them. C-point obturation system could be an alternative to the cold lateral condensation technique.

Solubility and bacterial sealing ability of MTA and root-end filling materials

Objective

To evaluate solubility and sealing ability of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and root-end filling materials.

Material and Methods

The materials evaluated were: MTA, Calcium Silicate Cement with zirconium oxide (CSC/ZrO₂), and zinc oxide/eugenol (ZOE). Solubility test was performed according to ANSI/ADA. The difference between initial and final mass of the materials was analyzed after immersion in distilled water for 7 and 30 days. Retrograde cavities in human teeth with single straight root canal were performed by using ultrasonic tip CVD 9.5107-8. The cavities were filled with the evaluated materials to evaluate sealing ability using the bacterial leakage test with Enterococcus faecalis. Bacterial leakage was evaluated every 24 hours for six weeks observing the turbidity of Brain Heart infusion (BHI) medium in contact with root apex. Data were submitted to ANOVA followed by Tukey tests (solubility), and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (sealing ability) at a 5% significance level.

Results

For the 7-day period, ZOE presented highest solubility when compared with the other groups (p<0.05). For the 30-day period, no difference was observed among the materials. Lower bacterial leakage was observed for MTA and CSC/ZrO₂, and both presented better results than ZOE (p<0.05).

Conclusion

MTA and CSC/ZrO₂ presented better bacterial sealing capacity, which may be related to lower initial solubility observed for these materials in relation to ZOE.

Coronal Microleakage of the Resilon and Gutta-Percha Obturation Materials with Epiphany SE Sealer: An in-vitro Study

INTRODUCTION

The coronal leakage of bacteria and other irritants to the root canal system is one of the main factors that may result in clinical failure and affect the long term success of endodontic treatment. The Resilon/Epiphany obturation system has been developed as an alternative to gutta-percha and traditional sealers.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the coronal leakage between Resilon obturation material and gutta-percha using the same sealer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this in-vitro study, 72 freshly extracted single-rooted human teeth were used, and were sectioned at CEJ with 13mm length. The roots were randomly divided into four groups. In Group I, 30 roots were obturated using Resilon and Epiphany SE sealer, Group II, 30 roots were obturated using gutta-percha and Epiphany SE. Group III and Group IV, 12 roots were used as control groups (positive and negative). The coronal leakage was measured using the dye penetration technique. Data were statistically analysed by a One-Way ANOVA test.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the two experimental groups where Resilon revealed less microleakage than gutta-percha group (p <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Resilon is a suitable replacement for gutta-percha on the basis of its increased resistance to microleakage, but it failed to provide complete hermetic coronal sealing.