Sealing properties of a new root canal sealer.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate bacterial leakage of Apexit Plus, a new root canal sealer, in comparison with AH Plus.


METHODS
A total of 56 single-rooted human teeth were randomly divided into two experimental groups of 16 roots and two control groups. Roots were filled by lateral condensation with Gutta-percha and AH Plus or with Gutta-percha and Apexit Plus. A split chamber microbial leakage model was used in which Streptococcus mutans placed in the upper chamber could reach the lower chamber only through the filled canal. Positive controls were filled only with Gutta-percha and tested with bacteria, whereas negative controls were sealed with wax to test the seal between chambers. Additionally, film thickness, solubility and dimensional change were determined.


RESULTS
All positive controls leaked within 24 h, whereas none of the negative controls leaked after 30 days. Apexit Plus had significant less bacterial leakage (log-rank test, P < 0.0001) than AH Plus. AH Plus (0.3% solubility) showed a slightly lower solubility than Apexit Plus (0.5% solubility) but a larger film thickness (28 vs. 11 mum) according to ISO 6876:2001.


CONCLUSIONS
Apexit Plus had a better sealing ability in comparison with AH Plus.
Salz
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Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Research & Development, Bendererstr. 2, FL-9494 Schaan, Liechtenstein. ulrich.salz@ivoclarvivadent.com
Poppe
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Sbicego
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Roulet
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D002126:Calcium Hydroxide; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D008422:Materials Testing; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000379:methods; D012995:Solubility; D013295:Streptococcus mutans
C074418:Apexit; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; C534916:epoxy resin-based root canal sealer; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide