Assessment Of The Adhesion And Sealing Ability Of Three Contemporary Root Canal Sealers

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the adhesion and sealing ability of three contemporary root canal sealers—AH Plus, EndoSequence BC Sealer, and GuttaFlow—using push-out bond strength, dye penetration/micro-CT analysis, and failure mode evaluation.

Materials and methods: This in vitro study was conducted on 45 extracted human single-rooted teeth, equally divided into three groups of 15 according to the type of sealer used: AH Plus (epoxy-resin), EndoSequence BC Sealer (bioceramic), and GuttaFlow (silicone-based). Teeth with a single straight canal and mature apices were selected, while those with caries, cracks, resorption, or previous endodontic treatment were excluded. Roots were standardized to 14 mm, instrumented using a rotary system, and irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA. All canals were obturated with the single-cone technique using matching gutta-percha cones, and specimens were stored at 37°C and 100% humidity for seven days to allow complete setting of the sealers.

Results: BC Sealer demonstrated the highest push-out bond strength at all root levels, with statistically significant differences at the coronal and middle thirds compared to AH Plus and GuttaFlow, while no significant difference was observed in the apical third. It also showed superior sealing ability, evidenced by the lowest dye penetration and void percentage on micro-CT analysis, whereas GuttaFlow exhibited the poorest sealing performance. Analysis of failure modes revealed that adhesive failures were most common with GuttaFlow, while BC Sealer showed more cohesive and mixed failures, and AH Plus presented a balanced distribution. Overall, BC Sealer outperformed the other sealers in both adhesion and sealing effectiveness, with differences being statistically significant.

Conclusion: BC Sealer demonstrated superior adhesion and sealing ability compared to AH Plus and GuttaFlow, while sealer selection should consider both mechanical and antimicrobial properties to optimize endodontic treatment outcomes.