Abstract
AIM: The study aimed to evaluate and compare the apical sealing ability of three different sealers, i.e., NT Biocera Flo, AH Plus, and Calapex modified with chitosan nanoparticles using spectrophotometric evaluation. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-six extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were selected. Access opening and biomechanical preparation were done using the step-back technique, and samples were randomly divided into three groups with three different sealers (n = 12): Group 1 - NT Biocera Flo with chitosan nanoparticles, Group 2 - AH Plus with chitosan nanoparticles, and Group 3 - Calapex with chitosan nanoparticles. Following obturation, samples were immersed in 2% methylene blue for 72 h. Teeth were then dissolved in 35% nitric acid, and dye penetration was quantified using a spectrophotometer at 670 nm. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Group 1 (NT Biocera Flo + chitosan nanoparticles) demonstrated the lowest mean dye penetration (1.56 ± 0.48), followed by Group 2 (AH Plus + chitosan nanoparticles) (2.02 ± 0.57), whereas Group 3 (Calapex + chitosan nanoparticles) showed the highest leakage (2.53 ± 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: NT Biocera Flo with chitosan nanoparticles demonstrated superior apical sealing ability, followed by AH Plus and Calapex. CONTEXT: Achieving an effective apical seal is critical to prevent microleakage and ensure the long-term success of root canal therapy. This study assesses the effect of chitosan nanoparticle incorporation on the apical sealing ability of commonly used endodontic sealers. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This in vitro experimental study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, using extracted human mandibular premolar teeth to evaluate the apical sealing ability of different chitosan-modified endodontic sealers. A randomized laboratory design was employed, with samples allocated into three groups based on the sealer used, followed by standardized preparation, obturation, dye penetration, and spectrophotometric analysis.