MICROLEAKAGE MARVELS: COMPARATIVE SEM ANALYSIS OF MICROLEAKAGE IN ZOE VS GUTTAFLOW 2 SEALERS

Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate the microleakage of two different endodontic sealers, Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE) and GuttaFlow 2, using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).Objective: The objectives were to evaluate the microleakage of ZOE and GuttaFlow 2, and to compare their sealing abilities in terms of dye penetration and bonding integrity at the sealer-dentine interface.Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted human first and second premolars were collected from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Seema Dental College & Hospital, Uttarakhand.The roots were prepared, and the canals were obturated with ZOE and GuttaFlow 2 sealers respectively.SEM was employed to assess the microleakage and examine the quality of the sealer-dentine interface.Dye penetration was used as an indicator of microleakage.The extent of leakage and the presence of gaps at the sealer-dentine interface were evaluated and compared.Results: SEM analysis revealed that both ZOE and GuttaFlow 2 showed gaps between the sealer and the dentine walls, with a poorly defined, curved contact line at the sealer-dentine interface.However, the mean dye penetration for the ZOE group was significantly higher than that of the GuttaFlow 2 group, indicating greater microleakage in the ZOE-sealed specimens.In contrast, GuttaFlow 2 showed lower dye penetration, suggesting better sealing performance and less microleakage.Conclusion: GuttaFlow 2, shows better apical sealing ability when compared to ZOE.