title: Sealers and warm gutta-percha obturation techniques.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Warm vertically compacted gutta-percha obturation techniques use root canal sealers that are heated during the obturation. This study aims at investigating the suitability of selected sealers with warm gutta-percha obturation techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  The composition of an experimental sealer (Septodont; Saint Maur-des-Fosses, France), MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil), Apexit Plus (Ivoclar, Schaan, Lichtenstein), and AH Plus (Dentsply International, Addlestone, UK) was assessed by scanning electron microscopic and energy-dispersive spectroscopic analysis. The effect of temperature during warm vertical compaction technique was investigated by testing the sealers' properties after 1 minute to 100°C or 37°C. The reaction products after setting were assessed by X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Changes in setting time, flow, and film thickness were determined using ISO 6876 (2012) specifications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The experimental tricalcium silicate-based sealer and Apexit Plus contained calcium hydroxide peaks after setting, which were absent in MTA Fillapex. The properties of AH Plus and the experimental sealer were modified by heat; the setting time was reduced, and film thickness increased. AH Plus had diminished N-H groups when heated to 100°C for 1 minute. MTA Fillapex, Septodont sealer, and Apexit Plus were unaffected by heat application.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The choice of sealer should be considered when selecting the obturation technique. The Septodont sealer is recommended for obturations using cold laterally condensed gutta-percha, whereas MTA Fillapex and Apexit Plus were suitable with warm gutta-percha obturation techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Surgery, University of Malta, Malta. Electronic address: josette.camilleri@um.edu.mt.
authors.forename: Josette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Camilleri
mesh_terms: D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000737:chemistry; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D006171:Gutta-Percha / Q000737:chemistry*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008422:Materials Testing; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000379:methods*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods; D017640:Silicates / Q000737:chemistry; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D013499:Surface Properties; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: C074418:Apexit; D017610:Calcium Compounds; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D017640:Silicates; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement; C112894:canals sealer; C534916:epoxy resin-based root canal sealer; C506393:tricalcium silicate; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide
keywords: AH Plus; Apexit Plus; MTA Fillapex; Septodont experimental tricalcium silicate–based sealer; characterization; physical properties; root canal sealers; warm vertical compaction