Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth using three different bioceramic root canal sealers: An in vitro study

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of root canals filled with three different bioceramic sealers following endodontic treatment. Methods: Forty mandibular premolars were sectioned to a length of 13 mm. Canal shaping was performed using ProTaper rotary files, finishing with an F4 size. The samples were randomly divided into three experimental groups ( n = 8) and two control groups ( n = 8) based on obturation and instrumentation methods: Group 1: BioActive RCS with gutta-percha, Group 2: CeraSeal with gutta-percha, Group 3: Cerafill RCS with gutta-percha, Group 4 (Positive Control): Uninstrumented and unfilled, and Group 5 (negative control): Instrumented but unfilled. After 7 days of incubation at 37°C and 100% humidity, the samples were coated with polyvinyl siloxane to simulate the periodontal ligament, then embedded in acrylic blocks. Fracture resistance was assessed using a universal testing machine at a rate of 1 mm/min. Data analysis was carried out using the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by the Mann–Whitney U -test for pairwise comparisons, with a significance threshold of P ≤ 0.05. Results: Significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups ( P < 0.05). CeraSeal exhibited the highest fracture resistance (804.02 N), followed by Cerafill RCS (701.16 N) and BioActive RCS (643.39 N). Conclusion: CeraSeal demonstrated the greatest fracture resistance among the bioceramic sealers tested.