Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth obturated with Pozzolan-based MTA sealer and epoxy resin-based sealer: An in vitro study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of epoxy resin-based sealer and a pozzolan-based mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) sealer on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth. Materials and methods: Thirty single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated to a standardized root length of 15 mm. ProTaper rotary files up to a master apical file size of F3 were used for cleaning and shaping the root canals followed by 2.5% sodium hypochlorite irrigation. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 each), and the obturation was completed using gutta-percha with Endoseal MTA (group I) and AH Plus (group II) as root canal sealers. Group III served as control (instrumented and unfilled). Each specimen was then subjected to fracture testing by using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/minute until fracture. The force required to fracture each specimen was recorded and the data were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by pairwise comparison using post hoc Games-Howell test (p < 0.05). Results: The fracture resistance of groups I and II were significantly higher than those of group III. No significant difference in the fracture resistance was observed between group I (Endoseal MTA) and group II (AH Plus) groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the new root canal sealer, Endoseal MTA, is able to reinforce the tooth against fracture as good as AH Plus. Clinical significance: Endoseal MTA is a sealer for the reinforcement of endodontically treated teeth.