Influence of root canal obturation using gutta-percha with three different sealers on root reinforcement of endodontically treated teeth. An in vitro comparative study of mandibular incisors

AIM: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the vertical force required to fracture mandibular incisor teeth, obturated using gutta-percha with three different sealers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five extracted mandibular incisors with intact and fully formed apices, exhibiting single root and canal were acquired. The teeth were decoronated obtaining a root segments of 15 mm and were divided into five groups (n = 15). Group 1: left uninstrumented and unfilled (negative control). For groups 2–5, samples were instrumented using Protaper NEXT (X1 and X2). Group 2: left unobturated (positive control). Groups 3–5 were obturated using lateral compaction by gutta-percha and three sealers (AH Plus(®), Apexit(®), and EndoSequence(®) BioCeramic™). All the samples were prepared for fracture testing and vertical load was applied till fracture. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test, for the data recorded of the force required in Newton (N). RESULTS: The load required to fracture exhibited a significant difference. The intergroup analysis revealed, samples obturated using bioceramic sealer exhibited higher fracture resistance (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The use of gutta-percha and a root canal sealer reinforces the root dentin, leading to increased fracture resistance against vertical forces. Bioceramic sealer group in them exhibited better results.