Influence of moist dentin and dry dentin on sealing ability of bioceramic sealer using confocal laser scanning microscope: An in vitro study

Abstract

Background: The quality of adhesion between root canal dentin and sealer is influenced by the moisture condition of the root canal before obturation, which interferes with sealer setting and prevents it from entering dentinal tubules, thereby compromising the seal and leading to microleakage. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effect of root canal moisture on bioceramic sealer penetration into dentinal tubules at different levels using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Materials and Methods: Forty single-rooted teeth were selected, and the crowns were removed at the cementoenamel junction. Working length was determined using the K file; further instrumentation with rotary files. The root canals were irrigated with 10 mL of 5.25% NaOCl, followed by 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid for 1 min. The roots were randomly divided into two groups (n = 20) based on the amount of remaining moisture in the canal. Group 1 (Dry dentin): The root canals were dried with paper points until the last paper point was totally dry. Group 2 (Moist dentin): Two paper points were used to blot dry the canal. The root canal sealer was labeled with rhodamine B isothiocyanate. After obturation, teeth were sectioned perpendicularly of 1 mm in thickness at 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm intervals in thickness from every root sample and were observed under confocal laser scanning microscopy for sealer penetration. Results: The Group-2 moist dentin group exhibited greater penetration of bioceramic sealer at all three levels. Greater sealer penetration was observed in the cervical third in both groups, followed by the middle and apical thirds. Conclusion: Maintaining slightly controlled moisture through blot drying significantly enhances the intratubular penetration of bioceramic sealers across all root canal levels.