Measurement and Comparison of Volumetric Shrinkage of Various Sealers Registered by a Video Imaging Technique Device

Abstract:

Obturation ability of root canal treatment materials are one of the factors that affect the prognosis of root canal treatment with essence of complete closure of the root canal. Cold lateral condensation is one of the most common techniques used for endodontic therapy which sealer acts as sealing and bonding agent between dentin and gutta-percha.

The aims of the study are to examine and compare the volumetric shrinkage of the three most common endodontic sealers in Sweden categorized by their chemical composition. Our hypothesis is that there is no difference between these sealers regarding shrinkage.

Epoxy-amine resin based sealer (AH Plus Jet), zinc oxide eugenol based sealer (Tubli-Seal EWT) and calcium hydroxide based (Apexit Plus) have been compared in this study, which are categorized into three major different chemical compositions. A video imaging technique device, AcuVol, has been used to register volumetric shrinkage of these sealers.

Registration of sealers volumetric shrinkage by AcuVol occurred two times for each sealer during a 48 hr period.

Mean volumetric shrinkage after 48 hr determined to 6.43 % for epoxy-amine resin based sealer (AH Plus Jet), 6.72 % for zinc oxide eugenol based sealer (Tubli-Seal EWT) and 1.63 % for calcium hydroxide based sealer (Apexit Plus).

Based on this study, it could not be possible to recommend a sealer in terms of volume shrinkage perspective and determine which sealer is best. There are other parameters of sealer than shrinkage that can affect adequately root canal obturation we should consider.