A confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis of efficacy of different activated irrigants in the removal of calcium hydroxide medicament and subsequent penetrability of Bio-C sealer - An study.

AIM

The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of different irrigants activated by pro-agitator tip system (PATS) Vario on the removal of calcium hydroxide medicament and subsequent penetration depth of Bio-C sealer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty single-rooted mandibular premolars were selected. Access cavities were prepared; biomechanical preparation was done. Metapex that had been combined with rhodamine B dye was used to fill each sample. All the samples were divided into five groups ( = 10) - Group I: chitosan-citrate, Group II: intracanal heated sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), Group III: phytic acid, Group IV: SmearClear, and Group V: saline. All samples were obturated using gutta-percha and Bio-C sealer (combined with fluorescein dye). Later, all samples were sectioned at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex and observed under a confocal microscope for residual Ca(OH) and sealer penetration into dentinal tubules.

RESULTS

The saline group exhibited the least amount of sealer penetration and high residual Ca(OH), both of which were statistically significant ( ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The use of PATS Vario for irrigant activation enhanced the calcium hydroxide removal efficacy and penetration of Bio-C sealer into dentinal tubules. The elimination of calcium hydroxide and sealer penetration, from the apical region of the tooth, can be accelerated by intracanal heating of NaOCl.