Evaluation of microleakage following application of a dentin bonding agent as root canal sealer in the presence or absence of smear layer.

J Oral Sci 51(2):207-13 (2009) PMID 19550088

The aim of this study was to compare the apical leakage of roots obturated with gutta-percha using either an epoxy resin sealer (AH26) or a dual cure dentin binding agent (Excite DSC) as sealer in the presence or absence of smear layer with fluid filtration method. The canals of eighty-six, single-rooted premolars were instrumented until a #40 K-file fit at working length and then randomly divided into four groups (n = 20) with the remaining six used as controls. Groups 1 and 2 were filled with gutta-percha using AH26 as sealer; groups 3 and 4 were filled with gutta-percha and Excite DSC as sealer. Groups 1 and 3 were smear layer-positive, while group 2 and 4 were designated as smear layer-negative. After 3 days and 3 months, the samples were connected to a fluid filtration system. Analysis of data with the paired t-test showed that microleakage in AH26 groups (with and without smear layer) decreased significantly at 3 months compared to 3 days; however, in the DBA groups, the amount of microleakage at 3 days and 3 months was not significantly different. According to the results of this study, DBA (Excite DSC) had better apical sealing ability and could be applied clinically.