Dentinal Tubule Penetration and Adaptation of Bio-C Sealer and AH-Plus: A Comparative SEM Evaluation

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the dentinal tubule penetration and adaptation of a premixed bioceramic sealer and an epoxy-resin based sealer in the three radicular thirds. METHODS: 30 wide roots, with single straight canals and totally formed apexes, were endodontically prepared and divided into two groups (n=14) according to the sealer used for root canal filling: AH-Plus (AHP) and Bio-C Sealer (BIOC). Two samples were left as controls. After the canals were filled, the samples were cut and viewed under Scanning Electron Microscopy by taking images to analyse the tubular penetration and adaptation of the sealers. The results were statistically analysed with the Shapiro Wilk, Levene and Mann-Whitney tests (P<0.05). RESULTS: BIOC showed significantly higher penetration in dentinal tubules than AHP in the cervical, middle and apical thirds of the root canal (P<0.05) and better adaptation to the dentinal tubule walls. CONCLUSION: Under the parameters of this study, BIOC exhibits higher penetration and better adaptation to the dentinal tubules compared to AHP.