Comparison of the Ability of Calcium Silicate and Epoxy Resin-based Sealers to Fill the Artificial Lateral Canals in the Presence or Absence of Smear Layer

Abstract

Introduction: The lateral canals are pathways for the bacteria and their products to pass between the root canal and the periradicular tissue.The present study aimed to compare the filling ability of the lateral canals with three calcium silicate based sealers, including MTA Fillapex, Endoseal MTA and Sure-Seal Root, and AH26 epoxy resin sealer in the presence and absence of the smear layer. Method: Six lateral canals were prepared using an engine reamer (3 in mesial and 3 in the distal) in 80 single-rooted human teeth.The root canals were cleaned with RaCe Rotary System and the Crown Down Technique.Then, the teeth were randomly divided into two groups A : (n = 40) and B: (n = 40). In group A, the smear layer was removed using 17% EDTA and 5.25% NaOCl. In group B, the canals were irrigated with normal saline. The A and B groups were divided into four subgroups according to the sealer used : A1, B1 (MTA Fillapex sealer), A2, B2 (Endoseal MTA sealer), A3, B3 (Sure-Seal Root sealer), and A4, B4 (AH26 sealer). Obturation of the canals was conducted by warm vertical technique and Beefill device, and then the teeth were incubated for 72 hours. In order to make the teeth clear, they were immersed in 5% Nitric Acid for 5 days, then washed with tap water and immersed in 80%, 90% and 100% Ethyl Alcohol ascending concentrations, and finally immersed in Methyl salicylate.The transparent teeth were observed under stereomicroscope to evaluate the filling of each lateral canal by gutta-percha, sealer, or both. Chi-Square statistical test was used to compare the lateral canals filling rate in the groups and subgroups. Results: In group A, the highest lateral canals filling rate was in the subgroup A2 and the lowest in the subgroup A1 and the difference was statistically significant. However, in group B as in group A, the highest lateral canals filling rate was in the subgroup B2 (Endoseal MTA) and the subgroup B3 (Sure-Seal Root) and the lowest in the subgroup B1. However, the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, no significant difference was observed in the lateral canals filling rate considering their position in the root (apical , middle or coronal third). Conclusion: Providing the removal of the smear layer,calcium silicate-based sealers, the Endoseal MTA and Sure-Seal Root had a higher ability to fill the lateral canals than the AH26 and MTA Fillapex sealers.