Biocompatibility of a new epoxy resin-based root canal sealer in subcutaneous tissue of rat

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the subcutaneous biocompatibility of two root canal sealers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty female rats were distributed into two groups of 15 animals. Each received subcutaneous dorsal implants: Silicone tubes filled with AH Plus or Obtuseal. After the 11(th), 14(th), and 45(th) days, tissues were collected for biopsy and fixed and processed for histologic evaluation. Observations of the cellular inflammatory components, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, were made. The data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Connover tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: By the 7(th) day, lymphocyte infiltration increased in both groups (P = 0.0104). However, macrophage infiltration increased only in the AH Plus group (P = 0.0011). By the 14(th) and 45(th) days, lymphocyte and macrophage infiltrations were reduced. At the end of the experimental period, no statistically significant differences were found between the AH Plus group and the Obtuseal group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: After 45 days, Obtuseal yielded a satisfactory tissue reaction; it was biocompatible when tested in subcutaneous rat tissue. On the basis of the obtained results, it was concluded that Obtuseal root canal sealer caused a satisfactory tissue reaction as AH plus, because it was biocompatible when tested in the subcutaneous tissue of rats.