Scenning electron microscopy (SEM) assessment of tubular penetration depth of root canal sealers combined with different obturation techniques

Background/Aim. The ability to effectively and consistently penetrate into dentinal tubules is considered as a favorable factor of root canal sealers RCS). The aim of the study was to assess the penetration depth into dentinal tubules of three RCS combined with four obturation techniques. Methods. Mesial canals of 66 extracted human mandibular molars were endodontically prepared and randomly allocated into 12 experimental groups depending on the sealer type used (AH Plus, EndoREZ, Sealapex) and the obturation technique applied (Cold Lateral compaction, Cone-Fit, Carrier-based, Warm Vertical compaction). Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transversal root cross-sections were analyzed and the maximum depth of sealer penetration was measured (396 sections in total corresponded to the apical, middle and coronary third). Results. Group AH Plus/Warm Vertical compaction yielded the highest penetration depth - 1,165 ?m, followed by EndoREZ/Cone-Fit - 1,154 ?m; the lowest depth was measured for EndoREZ/Warm Vertical compaction - 502 ?m. The maximum penetration depth of sealers in the coronary thirds (common mean value) yielded 1,204 ?m, in the middle thirds - 1,005 ?m and in the apical thirds - 770 ?m. AH plus penetrated deeper into dentinal tubules when the obturation techniques with heated gutta-percha were applied, while the opposite findings were obtained for EndoREZ. Conclusion. The sealer penetration depth appears to be influenced by the sealer type used, as well as the obturation technique applied.