Comparative evaluation of dentin penetration depth of four different endodontic sealers after activation: A confocal laser scanning microscopic study

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the penetration depth of different endodontic sealers after activation using confocal laser microscopy. Methods: A total of 40 permanent human-extracted premolar teeth were collected. They were cleaned in the ultrasonic bath for 15 min and then stored in sodium hypochlorite for 15 min for disinfection of the organic compounds. Radiographs were taken to ensure a single root canal and then stored in sterile saline till further use. Teeth were decoronated to a uniform root length of 16 mm with a safe-sided diamond disc. 10 K-file was inserted till it was visible at the apical foramina, 1 mm was reduced from the length, and working length was noted. ProTaper Universal was used to instrument the canals up to F4 size according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Samples were divided into four groups ( n = 10) and were obturated with respective sealers. Rhodamine dye was used with the sealers to facilitate fluorescence during confocal laser microscopy they were examined with confocal laser microscope. Penetration depth of the sealer into the dentinal tubule was depicted by the fluorescence present in the dentinal tubule. Results: Groups A and D which were resin-based sealers showed statistically more penetration when compared to Groups B and C which were bioceramic-based. The coronal section of each group had higher penetration when compared to the apical section of each group which was statically significant. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the study, it can be concluded that using the one-way ANOVA test resin-based sealer showed more penetration compared to bioceramic sealer.