title: Analysis of sealing ability of root canal sealers using scanning electronic microscopy technique.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An ideal endodontic sealer should adhere firmly both to dentin and to gutta-percha.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesion of the root canal filling to dentin and gutta-percha using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM).
  
  
  METHODS
  The sealing ability of endodontic sealers to dentinal walls of the root canal was assessed in recently extracted human single canal premolars. Twenty teeth were prepared using the crown-down technique and irrigated with 3% NaOCl. A total of 20 samples were divided into two groups. The root canals were obturated using Ketac-Endo Aplicap and GutaFlow. The sealing ability and adhesion properties at the sealer-dentin interface were studied using SEM and the results were rated from 1 to 3; extremely good adhesion (rated 1), good adhesion (rated 2) and a relatively good adhesion (rated 3).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed extremely good adhesion on Ketac-Endo and GuttaFlow dentin interface. GuttaFlow has strong adhesion (rated 1) to gutta-percha in comparison with Ketac-Endo to gutta-percha interface (rated 2).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  New GuttaFlow filling material has a strong sealing ability and excellent adhesion to dentinal walls and gutta-percha cones. Ketac-Endo showed excellent bond to dentin with a slightly weaker adhesion capacity to the gutta-percha cones in comparison to GuttaFlow.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Belgrade, Serbia. vujaskovicm@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Mirjana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vujasković
authors.forename: Nevenka
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Teodorović
mesh_terms: D000268:Adhesiveness; D003804:Dentin; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials
chemical_list: D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D006171:Gutta-Percha