In vitro evaluation of bond strength and sealing ability of a new low-shrinkage, methacrylate resin-based root canal sealer.

Background/purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate a new low-shrinkage, methacrylate resin-based root canal sealer (LSRCS) to determine its bond strength in radicular dentin and sealing ability.

Methods: Extracted single-root teeth were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n=20) for obturation with Gutta-percha (GP)/AH Plus, Resilon/Epiphany, or Resilon/LSRCS. One-half of each experimental group was analyzed by the push-out test, using sections perpendicular to the long axis divided into 1mm serial slices and a universal testing machine to detect the loading force. The other half was analyzed by the dye penetration test using 2% methylene blue solution (pH=7) and measuring dye leakage under a stereomicroscope.

Results: The push-out test revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in bond strength produced by the three sealers; the GP/AH Plus group showed the highest bond strength, followed by Resilon/LSRCS and Resilon/Epiphany. According to the microleakage data, GP/AH Plus showed the least dye penetration, which was significantly less than Resilon/Epiphany and Resilon/LSRCS. There was no difference in apical leakage between Resilon/Epiphany and Resilon/LSRCS.

Conclusion: The newly developed LSRCS, although not superior to AH Plus in bond strength or sealing ability, possesses monoblock potential and application prospects.