Effect of dentine moisture conditions on interfacial adaptation of a calcium silicate-based sealer compared with an epoxy resin-based sealer: an SEM/EDX analysis.

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the effect of dentine moisture conditions on interfacial adaptation of a calcium silicate-based sealer (Bio-C Sealer) compared with that of an epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus Jet) at different root levels.

METHODS

Sixty extracted single-rooted teeth were prepared using ProTaper Universal system up to size F3 and randomly allocated to two groups (n = 30) according to the type of sealer. Each group was then further subdivided into three subgroups (n = 10 each) according to dentine moisture condition: dry (ethanol as final irrigant), normal moist (blotted dry), and wet (canals left flooded). Root sections (2 mm in thickness) were obtained at 3 mm (apical) and 8 mm (coronal). Interfacial adaptation was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, while elemental composition was analyzed utilizing energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDX). Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test (p ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS

Dentine moisture significantly affected interfacial adaptation. AH Plus Jet demonstrated superior adaptation under dry conditions, while Bio-C Sealer demonstrated optimal adaptation under moist conditions. EDX analysis revealed significantly higher levels of calcium and phosphorus in the Bio-C Sealer compared with the AH Plus group (p ≤ 0.019; p ≤ 0.036). Within the Bio-C Sealer group, calcium levels were significantly lower coronally (p = 0.016) than apically. Silicon and carbon were higher in AH Plus (p < 0.01), while oxygen was higher in Bio-C (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Dentine moisture conditions significantly influence the performance of sealer. AH Plus performs optimally under dry conditions, while Bio-C Sealer demonstrates superior performance in moist environments.