Sealing ability of oval-shaped canals filled using the System B heat source with either gutta-percha or Resilon: an ex vivo study using a polymicrobial leakage model

ObjectiveThe present study systematically compared the sealing ability of oval-shaped canals filled using the System B heat source with either gutta-percha/sealer or Resilon/Epiphany.Study designEighty mandibular incisors with oval-shaped canals were selected after buccolingual and mesiodistal radiographs and divided into 3 experimental groups (n = 20). The teeth were obturated as follows: G1: gutta-percha/Pulp Canal Sealer EWT using cold lateral condensation; G2: gutta-percha/Pulp Canal Sealer EWT using the System B heat source; and G3: Resilon tips and Epiphany sealer using the System B heat source. The roots were mounted in a bacterial leakage model and the system was checked daily during the following 9 weeks. The log rank test was used to analyze the leakage data at intervals of 3, 6, and 9 weeks. The level of significance was set at P < .05.ResultsSeven samples of G1 (35%) and 5 samples (20%) each of G2 and G3 were fully contaminated after 9 weeks. Data showed no significant difference between traditional gutta-percha/sealer and Resilon/Epiphany (P > .05). However, both materials showed significant difference to cold lateral condensation when System B heat source was used (P < .05).ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that Resilon/Epiphany combination do not improve the bacterial leakage resistance compared with traditional gutta-percha/sealer fillings.