Conclusion
The resin-based cement revealed promising outcomes compared to a traditional epoxy resin based sealer.
Methods
26 roots were enlarged and disinfected. Dentin tubules of 24 teeth were labelled with a red fluorophore (Rhodamine B) (two samples served as controls). Root canal samples were sealed in group AH (n = 11) with a conventional sealer (AH Plus Root Canal Sealer, Dentsply DeTrey) and in group RC (n = 11) with a resin-based cement (Parabond combined with Paracore, Coltène). Roots were then sectioned horizontally and immersed in H2O2 to remove the Rhodamine B not fixed by the sealers. The empty dentin spaces were labeled with a green fluorophore (Fluorescein) enabling the evaluation of infiltration as well as microleakage by confocal microscopy. Two additional samples were fractured in vertical direction for observation under SEM.
Results
Group RC presented significantly more infiltration in the middle third than in the middle and apical thirds of group AH. Microleakage was significantly higher in group AH than in group RC. SEM images revealed more dentin plugs and a homogenous resin layer in group RC in contrast to group AH.