Effect of root canal moisture on intratubular penetration of bioceramic sealer using two obturation techniques: A confocal laser scanning microscopic study.

BACKGROUND

Effective root canal obturation requires deep sealer penetration into dentinal tubules to prevent reinfection, a process that may be influenced by filling techniques and root canal moisture levels.

AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the influence of root canal moisture on the intratubular penetration of TotalFill bioceramic sealer using single-cone (SC) and hot-modified (HM) obturation techniques.

SETTINGS AND

DESIGN

This was an in vitro study.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Forty extracted single-rooted lower premolars were prepared to a size 40/0.04. The root canals were irrigated with 10 mL of 3% NaOCl, followed by 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, then randomly allocated according to obturation technique into SC and HM groups (n = 20). Each group was further subdivided according to canal moisture condition before obturation into dry or moist subgroups (n = 10). TotalFill sealer (FKG, Switzerland) was mixed with Rhodamine B and used for obturation. Specimens were sectioned at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex and analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy to assess maximal sealer penetration depth.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed by one-way and two-way ANOVA, accompanied by the Bonferroni post hoc test.

RESULTS

Moist canals demonstrated significantly greater sealer penetration than dry canals at three levels. The obturation technique showed no significant effect at any level (P > 0.05), and no interaction between moisture and technique was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Root canal moisture enhances penetration of TotalFill bioceramic sealer into dentinal tubules, regardless of obturation technique. Both obturation techniques yield comparable sealer penetration into dentinal tubules.