The Effect of Final Irrigation Protocols on The Apical Sealing Ability of Epoxy Resin-based and Bioceramic-based Root Canal Sealers

Abstract Aim: The present study evaluated the effect of different final irrigation protocols on the apical sealing ability of bioceramic and epoxy resin-based sealers. Materials and methods: Thirty single-rooted mandibular premolars were instrumented using ProTaper Next rotary files. Teeth were randomly divided into three groups according to the final irrigation regimen; Group I: 5 ml 0.2% CNPs/3 min, Group II: 2.5 ml 0.2% CNPs/1.5 min followed by 2.5 ml 17% EDTA/1.5 min, and Group III: 5 ml 17% EDTA/3min. All groups were subdivided into two subgroups based on the obturation material; Subgroup A: gutta-percha/Sure-Seal Root BC Sealer and Subgroup B: gutta-percha/AH Plus. The apical sealing ability was assessed using modified silver staining technique. Samples were sectioned longitudinally and examined using SEM. Results: Sure-Seal Root BC sealer showed significantly lower nanoleakage compared to AH Plus. No significant difference was recorded in the nanoleakage of Sure-Seal Root BC sealer among the three groups, while AH Plus showed a significantly higher nanoleakage in the EDTA group. Conclusions: The apical sealing ability of bioceramic sealers is better than that of epoxy resin-based sealers. The type of the final irrigating solution seems to affect the post-obturation seal of both AH Plus and Sure-Seal Root BC sealer.