Dentinal Tubule Penetration Of Three Root Canal Sealers

This study evaluated the dentinal tubule penetration of three root canal sealers (AH Plus, iRoot SP, C-Root SP) using warm vertical condensation (WVC) and single-cone (SC) techniques, providing clinical selection guidance. Seventy-two extracted human molar roots were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n=12). After root canal preparation with ProTaper Gold, specimens were obturated with Rhodamine B-labeled sealers using either WVC or SC techniques, then sectioned at 3 mm (apical), 5 mm (middle), and 8 mm (coronal) levels. Penetration depth and area percentage were evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). CLSM analysis revealed sealer penetration along dentinal tubules in all groups. At apical/coronal levels, iRoot SP+WVC, C-Root SP+SC, and AH Plus+WVC showed significantly greater penetration depth than C-Root SP+WVC (P<0.05), with C-Root SP+SC performing best at 8 mm (P<0.05). Penetration area analysis demonstrated superior results for iRoot SP and C-Root SP with SC (P<0.05), while AH Plus+WVC outperformed AH Plus+SC only at apical/middle levels (P<0.05). The study demonstrates: 1) C-Root SP is optimal for SC technique; 2) AH Plus works best with WVC technique; 3) iRoot SP performs consistently with both techniques; 4) All sealers penetrate better coronally. These findings support evidence-based clinical decision-making.