Evaluation of the sealing ability of resin cement used as a root canal sealer: An in vitro study

AIM: This study was designed to evaluate the apical seal of root canals obturated with resin cement as a root canal sealer and compare with that of the glass ionomer and zinc oxide eugenol sealers using a cold lateral condensation gutta-percha technique. BACKGROUND: Successful root canal treatment requires three-dimensional obturation of the root canal system with nonirritating biomaterials. None of the available materials are capable of providing a fluid tight seal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prepared teeth were randomly divided into three groups of 15 each to be obturated using three different sealers. Group I: zinc oxide eugenol (Tubliseal), Group II: Glass ionomer (Ketac Endo), and Group III: resin cement (C & B Superbond). All the specimens were stored in 100% relative humidity at 37° for 24 h. The specimens were placed in 2% methylene blue dye for 48 h and sectioned. The dye penetration was evaluated under a stereomicroscope. RESULTS: The "Kruskal" Wallis test was carried out to test the equality of mean. All the specimens showed dye leakage, and there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) among the groups. The specimens in Group III showed a minimal leakage and the specimens in Group I showed a maximum leakage. CONCLUSION: Resin cement sealed the root canals significantly better when compared with zinc oxide eugenol and glass ionomer sealers.