Adhesion of zinc oxide, MTA, silicone and epoxy resin based sealers in endodontically treated root canals conditioned with 0.2% chitosan: An in vitro study

Background: The aim of this invitro study was to evaluate the adhesion of Endomethasone N, MTA Fillapex, NanoSeal S and AH Plus endodontic sealers into the root canal walls conditioned with 0.2% chitosan solution using scanning electron microscope. Methods: Sixty extracted single rooted permanent mandibular premolars, decoronated and prepared up to F3 size, divided into 3 groups based on the conditioning agent (Group I- 5.25% Sodium hypochlorite, Group II- 0.2% Chitosan, Group III- Normal saline) and subdivided into 4 based on the sealer used (Subgroups A, B, C, D –Endomethasone N, MTA Fillapex, NanoSeal S, AH Plus respectively). When the sealers are set, the middle 4 mm section of the roots were obtained and examined using SEM to measure the depth of penetration of the sealers into the dentinal tubules. Result: Conditioning with 0.2% chitosan followed by application of AH Plus sealer showed maximum depth of tubular penetration. Conclusion: Chitosan effectively removes smear layer from the dentinal tubules of endodontically treated root canals. AH Plus sealer has better depth of penetration compared to the other sealers used. Thus, a combination of these improves the intratubular penetration depth.