title: An in vitro study to determine the sealing ability of sealers with and without smear layer removal.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this in vitro study is to compare the sealing ability of Ketac-Endo and Acroseal.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy teeth were selected and sectioned at the cementoenamel junction. The teeth were cleaned and shaped, and they were divided into five different groups. Group1: 20 teeth in which the smear layer was left intact using sodium hypochlorite. Group 2: 20 teeth in which the smear layer was removed using 17% EDTA. Group 3: 20 teeth in which the smear layer was removed using 17% EGTA. These groups (1, 2, and 3) were further subdivided into two subgroups (a and b) by obturation utilizing lateral condensation with Gutta-percha and Acroseal (subgroup "a") or Ketac-Endo (subgroup "b"). The subgroups contained 10 teeth each. Group 4: 5 teeth that were instrumented but not obturated. Group 5:5 teeth that were neither instrumented nor obturated. The specimens were immersed in methylene blue dye, and microleakage was assessed using a stereomicroscope.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data was analyzed using one way analysis of variance and student's t-test.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  17% EGTA is a better and potent alternative to 17% EDTA for smear layer removal. Acroseal sealer has less microleakage as compared with Ketac-Endo. Sealing ability of Acroseal sealer is better when it is used in conjunction with 17% EGTA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative and Endodontics, Dr. H.S. Institute of Dental Sciences, Sector-25, P.U, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Swaty
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jhamb
authors.forename: Vineeta
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nikhil
authors.forename: Vijay
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Singh