Evaluation of the apical sealing ability of bioRoot RCS with Various Gutta-percha cones using spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy: an in vitro study

Background The success of root canal therapy is highly dependent on achieving a well-sealed canal system to prevent apical microleakage and reinfection. The apical seal is primarily influenced by the sealing properties of the root canal sealer and the compatibility of the gutta-percha cones used for obturation. Objective To evaluate the apical sealing ability of BioRoot RCS with various hydrophilic-coated gutta-percha cones using spectrophotometric analysis and to assess the obturation material–sealer–dentin interface using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Materials and methods Ninety-six extracted human premolars were randomly divided into four groups ( n = 24) based on the type of gutta-percha cone. Twelve samples per group were subjected to dye extraction with 1% methylene blue, and leakage was measured using a spectrophotometer. The remaining samples were evaluated under a stereomicroscope and SEM to qualitatively assess the sealer–dentin interface. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test ( α = 0.05). Results The BioRoot RCS/bioceramic-coated gutta-percha group exhibited the lowest mean dye absorbance (0.0013 ± 0.0005), whereas the BioRoot RCS/gutta-percha group showed the highest (0.0057 ± 0.0010). SEM analysis demonstrated the smallest mean interfacial gap in the BioRoot RCS/bioceramic-coated gutta-percha group (2.76 ± 0.15 µm) and the largest in the BioRoot RCS/gutta-percha group (5.43 ± 0.16 µm). The differences among the groups were statistically significant ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Bioceramic-coated gutta-percha with BioRoot RCS provided superior sealing ability, confirmed by both spectrophotometric and SEM evaluations.