Enhancing root canal sealing: Exploring the sealing potential of epoxy and calcium silicate-based sealers with chitosan nanoparticle enhancement

ABSTRACT Aim: The study aimed to compare and evaluate the penetration of epoxy resin-based sealers and calcium silicate-based sealers, both with and without adding chitosan nanoparticles (NPs). Methods: Eighty human mandibular premolars with a single canal were selected for the study. A standard root length of 15 mm was established for each tooth. The canals were instrumented using the ProTaper ® Gold NiTi system (Dentsply Maillefer, Switzerland) incrementally up to size F3 (30/09) and irrigated with 5 ml of 2.5% NaOCl followed by 5 ml of 17% EDTA. The sealers were divided into four groups: Group 1 (Adseal), Group 2 (Ceraseal), Group 3 (Adseal + 2% wt/vol chitosan NP), and Group 4 (Ceraseal + 2% wt/vol chitosan NPs). The samples were then obturated using size F3 gutta-percha using a single-cone technique with the respective sealers. About 0.1% weight Rhodamine B dye was added to assess sealer penetration to all groups. The samples were embedded in acrylic resin, sectioned at midroot level, and viewed under a confocal laser scanning microscope. Data analysis was performed using a one-way ANOVA test, followed by Tukey’s post hoc analysis, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. Results: The results demonstrated that sealer penetration at the midroot portion was significantly higher in Group 4 (Ceraseal + 2% wt/vol chitosan NPs), followed by Group 3 (Adseal + 2% wt/vol chitosan NPs), Group 2 (Ceraseal), and the lowest penetration observed in Group 1 (Adseal). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that Group 4 (Ceraseal + 2% wt/vol chitosan NPs) exhibited better sealer penetration than other groups.