Abstract
Purpose
The reinforcement effect of 3 various root canal sealers (AH 26, MTA Plus sealer and
BioRoot RCS) and gutta-percha at different time periods (1 week and 1 month) were
evaluated in the present study.
Materials and Methods
Single-rooted, single-canalled, cracks-free 80 mandibular premolars were
decoronated to a length of 13mm. Group PC (positive control, n=10): samples were
left unprepared and unfilled. Seventy samples were prepared by using the ProTaper
Rotary System up to F4. Group NC (negative control, n=10): samples were left
unfilled. Remaining 60 samples were assigned into 3 groups; Group 1: AH 26 + F4
gutta-percha (GP); Group 2: MTA Plus sealer + F4 GP and Group 3: BioRoot RCS + F4
GP. Filled samples were divided into subgroups according to storage time: Samples
in Groups 1A, 2A, and 3A were stored for 1 week; while Groups 1B, 2B and 3B were
stored for 1 month at 100% humidity to allow the complete setting of the sealers
(n=10, for each). A universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min
was used for fracture testing. For each specimen, the force at the time of fracture
was recorded and the data were analyzed statistically.
Results
The highest fracture resistance values were obtained in Group PC, while the lowest
values were obtained in Group NC. Groups PC and NC were statistically different
from each other and from other groups, regardless of time (p<0.05). Fracture
resistance values of Group AH 26/GP were statistically different from MTA Plus
sealer/GP (p<0.05) and were statistically similar with BioRoot RCS/GP, irrespective of
time. Within group comparisons revealed that there were no statistically differences
between samples filled with same sealer at different time periods.
Conclusion
Root canal preparation caused decreased fracture resistance. All sealers increased
the force values needed to fracture the filled samples compared to unfilled ones.
Time factor had no effect on the fracture resistance values.