In-Vitro Comparative Adhesion Evaluation of Bioceramic and Dual-Cure Resin Endodontic Sealers Using SEM, AFM, Push-Out and FTIR

(1) Background: Which are the adhesion characteristics of four root canal sealers: two experimental (dual cure resin based endodontic sealer (E1-DCR) and bioceramic based sealer (E2-BC)), and two commercial (RealSeal and TotallFill BC (FKG Germany)). (2) Methods. One-hundred-twenty extracted monoradicular teeth received mechanic-antiseptic preparation and then endodontic filling using gutta-percha in combination with one of the four sealers. Samples from the apical third were selected from each tooth and were randomly distributed for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and push-out bond strength. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy was made exclusively for experimental sealers. (3) Results. The two experimental materials did not present a significant difference in apical sealing ability based on SEM evaluation. Gaps were identified in case of RealSeal samples and also lower penetration into the dentinal tubules compared to TotalFill BC. On AFM analysis a more pronounced penetration into the tubules was observed in case of E2-BC sealer was observed. E1-DCR registered a lower bond strength (0.7177 +/- 0.55) in the apical third compared to Total Fill BC (p = 0.01). (4) Conclusions. Within the limitations of the current study, it can be stated that the two experimental sealers' characteristics are comparable to that of the two consecrated materials.

Automated summary

The study findings suggest that the characteristics of the two experimental root canal sealers are comparable to those of the two commercial sealers, with differences observed in apical sealing ability, penetration, and bond strength among the different sealers.