Sealing ability of a bioceramic sealer used in combination with cold and warm obturation techniques

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of a bioceramic endodontic sealer and a ZOE sealer at the apical third when used in combination with three different obturation techniques.  Materials and methods A sample of 80 recently extracted intact human single-rooted maxillary premolars were included in the study. After instrumentation, teeth were randomly divided into five groups and accordingly filled with different techniques and materials. Group 1 was filled using Thermafil® Obturators (Dentsply/Maillefer) with Pulp Canal Sealer™ (Kerr), Group 2 was filled using Thermafil® Obturators (Dentsply/Maillefer) with BioRoot™ RCS (Septodont) bioceramic sealer, Group 3 was filled using warm vertical condensation with traditional Pulp Canal Sealer™ (Kerr), Group 4 was filled using a Single GP cone with BioRoot™ RCS (Septodont) bioceramic sealer and Group 5 was filled using warm vertical condensation with BioRoot™ RCS bioceramic sealer (Septodont). Apical leakage, using silver nitrate for 24 hours, was evaluated and statistical analysis was applied (Bonferroni and Anova tests with the significance level set at P < 0.05).  Result The groups using bioceramic sealer showed a lower amount of apical leakage, and Group 5 the lowest amount of dye penetration apically.  Conclusion Under in vitro conditions, bioceramic endodontic sealers can seal the root apex similarly to traditional ZOE endodontic sealers and can be used in combination with any obturation technique, both warm and cold gutta-percha.