Evaluation and comparison on the wettability of three root canal sealers after three different irrigant activation techniques: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Wettability of root canal sealers to the root canal wall plays a significant role in the attainment of a fluid-tight seal. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the wettability of three different root canal sealers on the root canal walls after three different irrigant activation techniques using the contact angle meter. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six single-rooted mandibular premolars after decoronation and cleaning and shaping up to size #35 were randomly divided into three groups with 12 samples in each group (n = 12) based on the different activation techniques: Group I (passive irrigation with side-vented needle), Group II (manual dynamic agitation), and Group III (passive ultrasonic irrigation). Root segments were split longitudinally and were subdivided into three subgroups based on the root canal sealers tested with four samples in each subgroup (n = 4): Subgroup A (Tubliseal EWT), Subgroup B (AH Plus), and Subgroup C (Endosequence BC sealer). A controlled volume droplet of sealer was placed on each specimen and was subjected to the contact angle meter. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were statistically analyzed using the one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test at a significance level of 0.05 (P < 0.05). RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was seen among all the groups and subgroups with the highest contact angle value for Group III and Subgroup C and the least value for Group I and Subgroup A. CONCLUSIONS: Passive irrigation with side-vented needle and Tubli-Seal EWT showed better wettability on dentin.