Influence of the Remnants of Silicone Oil on Penetration of Three Different Sealers into the Dentinal Tubules: A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess penetration of AH Plus, MTA Fillapex and GuttaFlow Bioseal sealers into dentinal tubules after placement and removal of silicone oil using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. METHODS: Sixty single-canaled premolars were instrumented using ProTaper Universal rotary system. Roots were divided into two main groups (n=30) where either Silicone oil was used or not. Subsequently, each main group was subdivided into 3 subgroups according to the investigated sealers. In subgroups where Silicone oil was used, it was placed in canals and then cleared. Obturation was completed utilizing lateral compaction technique using Rhodamine B labeled sealers. Penetration depth of sealer was evaluated by image J software. One way ANOVA, Duncan's test as posthoc test was performed for evaluation of statistical significances among the groups. In each sealer group, Independent -t-test was used to compare between with and without oil. P value was set at <0.05. RESULTS: Using silicone oil resulted in less dentinal tubule penetration depth with all sealers. Mean dentinal tubule penetration depth was the lowest in apical thirds. AH Plus showed higher penetrability in all thirds compared to MTA Fillapex and GuttaFlow Bioseal despite oil placement and removal. MTA Fillapex displayed higher penetrability in all thirds than GuttaFlow Bioseal. CONCLUSION: Remnants of silicone oil has a negative impact on the penetration depth of the tested sealers.