Intracanal Adaptation, Intratubular Penetration, and Push-Out Bond Strength of Different Root Canal Sealers: A Comparative In vitro Study

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intracanal adaptation, intratubular penetration, and push-out bond strength of Total fill Bioceramic, AH Plus, Gutta-flow BIOSEAL and MTAF sealers. Material and method: Sixty freshly extracted human lower 1st premolars were collected, drowned, and endodontically filled using different types of sealers. Specimens were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D) (n=15) depending on the sealer type (Total Full Bioceramic, AH Plus, Gutta-flow BIOSEAL and MTAF sealers respectively). The used sealer in five samples from each group was mixed with 0.1% fluorescein die before obturating the canals with Thermafil. These samples then were embedded in clear acrylic before sectioning into 0.5 mm disks at 3, 7 and 11 mm from the root apex. Disks were examined by fluorescent microscope to identify the intratubular penetration of the root canal sealers. The rest samples (n=10 in each group) were sectioned into 2mm thickness at the same positions from root apex. These samples were examined by stereoscope to measure the root filling adaptation before testing the push-out bond strength. Results: the results of the adaptation and push out bond strength tests have shown higher values for the Total Fill Bioceramic sealer in comparison to the other types of sealers within all regions of the tested roots, especially within the apical sections. However, no statistically significant differences have been detected in the sealer penetration test among all sealer groups which may suggested further future analysis using more sensitive testing procedure. Conclusions: The Total fill Bioceamic sealer has better sealing ability in comparison to other types of sealers. The use of this sealer may improve the success rate with better prognosis for endodontic treatment outcomes.