Impact of smear layer on sealing property of root canal obturation using 3 different techniques and sealers. Part I

Under these in vitro conditions, it seems that smear layer removal improves the ability of the filling materials to prevent the fluid movement, at least after the use of warm obturation techniques. On the contrary, smear layer removal does not seem to improve the same ability after the use of cold lateral compaction technique. Further laboratory and also clinical studies are needed in the future to compose a clear view concerning the improvement of sealing ability following smear layer removal.