An in vitro study to determine the sealing ability of sealers with and without smear layer removal.
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.
Jhamb
Swaty
S
Department of Conservative and Endodontics, Dr. H.S. Institute of Dental Sciences, Sector-25, P.U, Chandigarh, India.
Nikhil
Vineeta
V
Singh
Vijay
V