A confocal laser scanning microscopic evaluation of nonthermal atmospheric plasma on the dentinal tubule penetration of bioceramic and epoxy resin-based root canal sealers

AIM: Using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), the current study assessed the impact of nonthermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) on the dentinal tubule penetration of bioceramic and epoxy resin-based root canal sealers (CLSM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty human mandibular premolar teeth with a single root that had just undergone extraction were chosen and biomechanical preparation of root canals was done with ProTaper Gold rotary Nickel-titanium instruments. Samples were divided into four groups (n = 10). Group 1: Bioceramic sealer (BioRoot RCS); Group 2: Epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus) without application of NTAP; Group 3: Bioceramic sealer (BioRoot RCS); and Group 4: Epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus) with the application of NTAP for 30 s. In Groups 3 and 4, all of the samples underwent obturation with the appropriate sealers following NTAP application. For determination of the sealer's dentinal tubule penetration values, slices with a thickness of 2 mm were taken from the middle third of sample's root and examined using CLSM. The acquired data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and the Post hoc Tukey's test. The cutoff for statistical significance was P < 0.05. RESULTS: In comparison to other groups, the maximum sealer penetration values into dentinal tubules were significantly higher in Group 3 for Bioceramic sealer with NTAP application and Group 4 for Epoxy resin-based sealer with NTAP application. CONCLUSION: NTAP application increased the dentinal tubule penetration of bioceramic and epoxy resin-based sealers in comparison to groups without NTAP application.