Comparison of dentinal tubular penetration of three bioceramic sealers

Objective: The main objective of endodontic treatment is to remove microorganisms from the root canal space and prevents reinfection. Deep penetration of the dentinal tubule is advantageous because it increases the contact area between the root canal filling material and dentin, thereby increasing the sealing quality of the entire root canal system. Bioceramic sealers are biocompatible, nontoxic, non-shrinking, hydrophilic, and stable, do not expand during setting, and can form hydroxyapatite, which then forms chemical bonds with dentin to compare the abilities of three types of bioceramic-based sealers to penetrate the dentinal tubules. Methods: Obturation used three types of bioceramic sealers. Group 1 (calcium phosphate silicate), Group 2 (a mixture of tricalcium silicate and resin), and Group 3 (pure tricalcium silicate) were observed using a scanning electron microscope and measurement of the penetration distance with ImageJ. Results: The bioceramic sealers had statistically significant differences in penetration distance into dentinal tubules (p’s<0.001). The mean penetration value of Group 1 (calcium phosphate silicate) was 115.99 µm, Group 2 (a mixture of tricalcium silicate and resin) was 209.28 µm, and Group 3 (pure tricalcium silicate) was 84.07 µm. Conclusion: Although all three bioceramic sealers penetrated the dentinal tubules, they exhibited differences in their penetration capabilities. Group 2 had the deepest penetration, likely due to the resin content.