Solubility of root canal sealers with different organic solvents.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the solubility of the new root canal sealer Epiphany and to compare it with 2 conventional sealers against 2 organic solvents commonly used in retreatment.

Study Design: Standardized cylindric glass molds 5 mm wide and 2 mm high were filled with freshly mixed root canal sealers AH Plus, Ketac-Endo, and Epiphany. Samples were stored at 37 degrees C for 2 weeks. Each sample was immersed in chloroform or eucalyptus oil for 2 min, 5 min, and 10 min. The mean percentage loss of weight was determined for each material in each solvent and for each immersion period.

Results: There were no significant differences at 2 and 5 min (P > .05) for all tested sealers in all immersed solvents. AH Plus and Epiphany sealers showed significantly higher solubilities (P < .05) in chloroform than in eucalyptus oil. Epiphany was the most soluble root canal sealer in both the solvents. Ketac-Endo was the least soluble sealer in both chloroform and eucalyptus oil at all exposure times (P < .05).

Conclusion: The root canal sealers Epiphany and AH Plus dissolved to some extent and more than Ketac-Endo, using either eucalyptus oil or chloroform as the solvent.