Depth and percentage of resin-based sealer penetration inside the dentinal tubules using EndoVac, EndoActivator, Navi tip FX irrigation system: A confocal laser scanning microscope study

AIM: This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the effect of EndoVac, EndoActivator, and Navy Tip FX irrigation system on lateral depth and percentage of sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules using confocal laser scanning microscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty recently extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were taken and root canal treatment was performed using three different irrigation system, that is, EndoVac, EndoActivator, and Navi tip FX. The samples were divided into 4 groups according to the irrigation system used: Control or conventional needle (Group I), Navi Tip FX (Group II), EndoActivator (Group III), and EndoVac (Group IV). All teeth were obturated using AH Plus sealer labeled with fluorescent rhodamine B dye. The teeth were sectioned at coronal (5 mm), middle (3 mm), and apical 3(rd) (1 mm) from the apex. Total percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration were measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The data were evaluated statistically using Kruskal–Wallis test with a 95% confidence level (P = 0.01). RESULTS: EndoVac resulted in more sealer penetration then EndoActivator and Navi Tip FX irrigation system. Endoactivator resulted in more sealer penetration in comparison to Navi Tip FX. CONCLUSION: Percentage and depth of sealer penetration were more at apical and middle 3(rd) with Endovac system followed by Endoactivator and Navi tip FX system.