The effect of different root canal sealers on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth-in vitro study

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro effects of four different root canal
sealers on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth.
Materials and Methods: Seventy‑five freshly extracted human mandibular premolars were used for
the study. Teeth were divided into five groups based on type of root canal sealers used. Gutta‑percha
was used for all the samples: Group I: AH Plus root canal sealer, Group II: MTA Fillapex root canal
sealer, Group III: Apexit root canal sealer, Group IV: Conventional zinc oxide‑eugenol (ZOE) sealer,
Group V: Control (unobturated teeth). The teeth were embedded in acrylic resin blocks and fracture
force was measured using a universal testing machine (Asian Test Equipments). Data obtained were
statistically evaluated using one‑way ANOVA and post hoc test (Tukey’s test). All groups showed
statistically significant result (P < 0.05).
Results: Group I and Group II showed higher resistance to fracture than other three groups.
There was comparable difference in fracture force between Group I and Group II. Moreover, there
was no statistically significant difference between Group III and Group IV and between Group IV
and Group V.
Conclusion: Based on this in vitro study, resin‑based sealer was more effective as compared to
other sealers and the control group. However, no significant differences were observed between
ZOE and control group.
Key Words: Sealer, fracture, resistance, MTA- Fillapex, zinc oxide‑eugeno