Comparison of bioceramic and epoxy resin sealers in terms of marginal adaptation and tubular penetration depth with different obturation techniques in premolar teeth: A scanning electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscopy study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The proper performance of a sealer in root canal treatment depends on its physical properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two bioceramic and epoxy resin sealers in terms of marginal adaptation and tubular penetration depth in different obturation methods of human premolar teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 82 premolar teeth extracted due to caries and gum disease were used in the present in vitro experimental study. Two types of sealers, epoxy resin (AH-Plus, Dentsply, Germany) and bioceramic (Endosequence BC sealer, Brasseler, Savannah, GA, USA), were used in this research. Lateral compaction and single-cone techniques were used for filling the teeth. Marginal adaptation and tubular penetration depth were measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), respectively. Statistical analysis of data was performed by repeated-measures ANOVA. The significance level was considered as P < 0.05. RESULTS: The marginal adaptation and tubular penetration depth in all three coronal, middle, and apical regions were better in bioceramic sealer (P < 0.001). The marginal adaptation and tubular penetration depth in all regions were not affected by the filling method and the interaction between the sealer type and the obturation technique. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, the use of bioceramic sealer caused better depth of tubular penetration and marginal adaptation compared to epoxy resin. Further studies and the use of different filling techniques are necessary to achieve a three-dimensional sealing in curved root canals.