An in vitro study to determine the sealing ability of sealers with and without smear layer removal

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this in vitro study is to compare the sealing ability of Ketac-Endo and Acroseal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy teeth were selected and sectioned at the cementoenamel junction. The teeth were cleaned and shaped, and they were divided into five different groups. Group1: 20 teeth in which the smear layer was left intact using sodium hypochlorite. Group 2: 20 teeth in which the smear layer was removed using 17% EDTA. Group 3: 20 teeth in which the smear layer was removed using 17% EGTA. These groups (1, 2, and 3) were further subdivided into two subgroups (a and b) by obturation utilizing lateral condensation with Gutta-percha and Acroseal (subgroup “a”) or Ketac-Endo (subgroup “b”). The subgroups contained 10 teeth each. Group 4: 5 teeth that were instrumented but not obturated. Group 5:5 teeth that were neither instrumented nor obturated. The specimens were immersed in methylene blue dye, and microleakage was assessed using a stereomicroscope. RESULTS: The data was analyzed using one way analysis of variance and student's t-test. CONCLUSION: 17% EGTA is a better and potent alternative to 17% EDTA for smear layer removal. Acroseal sealer has less microleakage as compared with Ketac-Endo. Sealing ability of Acroseal sealer is better when it is used in conjunction with 17% EGTA.