Long-term sealing ability of Pulp Canal Sealer, AH-Plus, GuttaFlow and Epiphany.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term sealing ability of four contemporary endodontic sealers [Pulp Canal Sealer (PCS), AH-Plus, GuttaFlow and Epiphany] using a fluid filtration technique.


METHODS
The palatal roots of 40 human maxillary molar teeth were selected and the root canal was prepared using a crown-down technique (apical size 40, 6% taper). Roots were irrigated with 3% NaOCl, 17% EDTA solution and rinsed with distilled water. Canals were filled with either PCS, AH-Plus, GuttaFlow or Epiphany using a single-cone technique (n = 8). Twenty-four hours after filling, the roots were connected to an automatic flow-recording device (Flodec System) filled with double-distilled water under pressure (0.2 bar) to measure leakage. Flow rates were assessed at 6, 12 or 24-h and after 1-year of storage.


RESULTS
None of the materials fully prevented fluid flow. Fluid flow decreased after 6 h and decreased further after 12 h. After 24 h, PCS and AH-Plus allowed significantly more fluid flow than GuttaFlow and Epiphany. After 1 year, PCS allowed significantly more fluid flow than the other materials. No significant changes in leakage occurred between 24 h and 1 year.


CONCLUSIONS
GuttaFlow and Epiphany allowed less fluid movement along filled straight roots.
Bouillaguet
S
S
Department of Cariology and Endodontology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. serge.bouillaguet@medecine.unige.ch
Shaw
L
L
Barthelemy
J
J
Krejci
I
I
Wataha
J C
JC
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000517:prevention & control; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D006171:Gutta-Percha / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods
D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004853:Epoxy Resins; C515718:GuttaFlow; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; C486893:epiphany sealer; C534916:epoxy resin-based root canal sealer; D006171:Gutta-Percha