A comparison of Sealing Ability of Four Sealer Cements in Apically Perforated Root Canals

• Main Authors: Main K Iqbal, Rehab Sijiny, Hisham Al-Zaidan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2011-01-01
• Series: Saudi Endodontic Journal
• Subjects: sealer cement; apical seal
• Online Access: http://www.saudiendodj.com//article.asp?issn=1658-5984;year=2011;volume=1;issue=1;spage=12;epage=18;aulast=Iqbal;type=0

The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical seal obtained with four root canal sealers in conjunction with lateral condensation technique in apically perforated root canals. A total of 38 single rooted teeth stored in saline were utilized. The teeth were instrumented to their anatomical apices to a size #45 MAF using the step-back technique. An apical stop was developed 1 mm short of the working length with the help of a size #50 K-file. Based upon the mesio-distal and bucco-lingual widths of the apical foramen the teeth were stratified and randomly divided into four groups of 9 teeth each. Each of the four groups was obturated with either Sealapex, Ketac-Endo, AH26, or Tubli-Seal in conjunction with lateral condensation technique. The remaining two roots were used as controls: positive with gutta-percha and no sealer and negative with the apex sealed with nail varnish. The root apices were immersed in 1% methylene blue for 7 days and then sectioned longitudinally. Dye penetration was measured using a travelling microscope. The best seal was obtained using Sealapex cement, which differed significantly from Ketac-Endo, AH26, and Tubli-Seal. There was significant difference between the latter. It is recommended that Sealapex should be the sealer cement of choice, in conjunction with lateral condensation technique, when obturating apically perforated root canals.