BACKGROUND/AIMS
The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate three different obturation techniques with two different root canal sealers for penetration into dentinal tubules using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).
MATERIAL and METHODS
Sixty root canals were prepared and divided into six groups (n ¼ 10): AH Plus þ single-cone technique, AH Plus þ lateral compaction, AH Plus þ continuous-wave technique, MTA Fillapex þ single-cone technique, MTA Fillapex þ lateral compaction, and MTA Fillapex þ continuous wave technique. Following the obturation of the root canals, the specimens were horizontally sectioned, and the sealer penetration percentage, depth, and area were measured at the apical and middle root areas using CLSM analysis.
RESULTS
The single-cone obturation technique exhibited lower penetration values than the continuous wave and lateral compaction techniques in the AH Plus groups (P < .05). No significant differences were observed between different obturation techniques in MTA Fillapex groups (P > .05). MTA Fillapex exhibited significantly higher penetration values than AH Plus in both the apical and the middle third area in terms of depth, area, and percentage (P < .05).
CONCLUSION
Within the limitations of this in vitro study, MTA Fillapex penetration into the dentinal tubules was not affected by the obturation technique. Using the lateral compaction and continuous wave techniques provided enhanced AH Plus penetration compared to the singlecone technique.
Keywords: Root canal obturation, AH plus, MTA fillapex, obturation techniques, sealer penetration