Retreatment of Bioceramic Sealers Using a Novel Solvent: Dissolution, Patency, and Dentinal Effects.

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Endo Sealer Solvent (ESS), 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and chloroform (CHCl3) in facilitating patency in canals obturated with bioceramic sealer and assessed their effects on dentin.

METHODS

The study had 3 parts. First, 60 disk-shaped specimens of EndoSequence BC Sealer (BC) were immersed in one of the 4 irrigants for 3 hours and percent weight loss was calculated. Second, 60 single-canal teeth were obturated with 3 mm of BC in the apical third; after 1 week, gutta-percha was removed and the time required to regain apical patency with a 10 C-file using the respective solvent was measured. Third, 8 additional teeth were irrigated with the solutions and evaluated under scanning electron microscopy for dentinal changes. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used for analysis.

RESULTS

ESS and EDTA dissolved the greatest amount of BC, with no significant difference between them (P > .05), but both were significantly more effective than NaOCL and CHCl3 (P < .001). Regardless of the irrigant used, patency was achieved in all teeth with no significant difference in time (P > .05). Scanning electron microscopy showed no erosion in any group; ESS and EDTA removed the smear layer, while NaOCL and CHCl3 did not.

CONCLUSIONS

ESS and EDTA were the most effective in dissolving BC while preserving dentin, but all irrigants allowed 100% patency with no significant time difference, indicating solvent selection does not influence clinical patency outcomes.