Comparative evaluation of efficacy of different solvents in removal of gutta-percha and bioceramic sealer – An in vitro study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 2% acetic acid, 2% carbonic acid, and xylene in the removal of gutta-percha and bioceramic sealer. Methods: Thirty-nine mandibular premolars were collected, and root canal treatment was performed and obturated using Dia-Root Bio sealer. Teeth were allocated into three groups of n = 13 each. The teeth were then retreated using ProTaper retreatment files to remove gutta-percha and sealer using the above solvents. After decoronation and longitudinal grooving, the remnants were evaluated under a stereomicroscope at coronal, middle, and apical levels to assess the efficacy of each solvent in removing gutta-percha and sealer. Results: The study demonstrated that 2% acetic acid was significantly more effective in removing bioceramic sealer than 2% carbonic acid and xylene. Xylene outperformed 2% acetic acid and 2% carbonic acid in removing gutta-percha, with statistically significant results. Conclusion: The study concluded that 2% acetic acid showed maximum efficacy in the removal of bioceramic sealer, followed by 2% carbonic acid and xylene. Xylene showed maximum efficacy in the removal of gutta-percha, followed by 2% acetic acid and 2% carbonic acid.