Comparative apical sealing evaluation of two bioceramic endodontic sealers

Aim. The current study aims to evaluate, using scanning electronic microscopy, the sealing ability of two bioceramic endodontic sealers, one consecrated and one experimental. Methods. Twenty monoradicular teeth were included in the study. The teeth were endodontically prepared at the working length. The shaping and cleaning involved the use of chelating gel MM EDTA 19% and continuous irrigation with sodium hypochlorite 2.5%. The radicular filling was performed using gutta-percha in association with a sealer. Ten teeth were filled with consecrated endodontic filling material and the others ten with the experimental bioceramic based sealer Results. The evaluation of the sealers using SEM analysis allowed the identification and the measurement of gaps on the radicular dentin/sealer interface and the degree of apical sealing ability. No significant statistical difference was observed between the gap dimensions in the three areas for the tested bioceramic materials (p<0.005). In the apical region a homogenous layer with extensions intersecting the hybrid layer was observed when the experimental bioceramic sealer was used. In case of teeth filled with commercial sealer, peripheral hybrid extended areas were identified.  Conclusions. The two bioceramic sealers presented similar apical sealing. Gaps were identified in both sealers but also the presence of hybrid layer was identified.