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Evaluation of the Fracture Resistance of Roots Obturated with Bioceramic-Based Root Canal Sealer and Two Different Techniques

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2025-04-20
JournalCurrent Research in Dental Sciences
AuthorsSalih DĂŒzgĂŒn, HĂŒseyin Sinan Topçuoğlu, İpek Eraslan AkyĂŒz
InstitutionsBozok Universitesi
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

Evaluation of the Fracture Resistance of Roots Obturated with Bioceramic-Based Root Canal Sealer

Section titled “Evaluation of the Fracture Resistance of Roots Obturated with Bioceramic-Based Root Canal Sealer”

This analysis evaluates the mechanical performance and fracture resistance (FR) of root-filled teeth, comparing two distinct sealer chemistries (Bioceramic vs. Epoxy Resin) and two common obturation techniques (Single Cone vs. Cold Lateral Compaction).


  • Objective: To determine if the choice of root canal sealer (Ceraseal [CS] or AH Plus Jet [AHPJ]) or filling technique (Single Cone Technique [SCT] or Cold Lateral Compaction Technique [CLCT]) significantly affects the vertical fracture resistance (FR) of prepared roots.
  • Key Finding (Preparation Effect): Root canal preparation (instrumentation) was the dominant factor influencing structural integrity. Prepared, unfilled roots (Positive Control) exhibited significantly less FR (254.56 N) than unprepared, unfilled roots (Negative Control, 672.84 N) (P<.05).
  • Key Finding (Material/Technique Effect): There was no statistically significant difference in fracture resistance among the four experimental groups utilizing different sealer/technique combinations (P>.05).
  • Performance Range: The mean FR for all filled groups clustered tightly, ranging from 427.96 N (AHPJ + CLCT) to 457.12 N (CS + SCT).
  • Conclusion: The null hypothesis was accepted: the fracture resistance of roots filled with modern sealers is independent of whether a bioceramic (CS) or epoxy resin (AHPJ) sealer is used, or whether the SCT or CLCT technique is employed.

ParameterValueUnitContext
Sample TypeMandibular PremolarsN=90Single-rooted, extracted for periodontal reasons
Standard Root Length13mmLength after crown removal
Final Preparation SizeProTaper F3N/AStandardized instrumentation
Irrigation Solution 12.5% NaOCl3 mLUsed between file changes
Smear Layer Removal17% EDTA2 mL for 3 minFollowed by distilled water rinse
Sealer 1 (Bioceramic)Ceraseal (CS)N/ACalcium silicate-based sealer
Sealer 2 (Epoxy Resin)AH Plus Jet (AHPJ)N/AGold standard epoxy resin-based sealer
Embedded Length4mmEmbedded in self-cure acrylic resin
Compressive Load Rate1mm/minApplied via Universal Test Machine
Negative Control FR672.84 ± 181.37NUnprepared, unfilled (Highest FR)
Positive Control FR254.56 ± 86.41NPrepared, unfilled (Lowest FR)
CS + SCT FR457.12 ± 96.48NHighest FR among filled groups
AHPJ + CLCT FR427.96 ± 84.12NLowest FR among filled groups

  1. Sample Preparation and Standardization:

    • 90 single-rooted mandibular premolars were selected.
    • Crowns were removed using a water-cooled diamond saw to achieve a standardized root length of 13 mm.
    • Teeth exhibiting mesiodistal or buccolingual diameters deviating >20% from the mean were excluded to ensure dimensional consistency.
  2. Working Length (WL) and Instrumentation:

    • WL was established 1 mm short of the apical foramen.
    • Root canals (excluding the negative control group) were prepared up to the ProTaper F3 file using a torque-controlled endodontic motor.
  3. Irrigation Protocol:

    • 3 mL of 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) was used for irrigation between each file.
    • Smear layer was removed using 2 mL of 17% EDTA for 3 minutes, followed by a final rinse with distilled water.
  4. Obturation Techniques (Groups 3-6):

    • Single Cone Technique (SCT): A master F3 gutta-percha cone with good tug-back was selected. Sealer (CS or AHPJ) was placed 2 mm coronal to the WL and withdrawn slowly, followed by placement of the master cone.
    • Cold Lateral Compaction Technique (CLCT): A 0.02/30 master gutta-percha cone was fitted. Sealer (CS or AHPJ) was placed via a lentulo spiral. Accessory cones coated with sealer were compacted using a size 25 finger spreader until the spreader could not penetrate 2 mm short of the WL.
  5. Fracture Resistance Testing:

    • Roots were embedded 4 mm into self-cure acrylic resin blocks, leaving 9 mm exposed.
    • A vertical compressive load was applied to the center of the canal opening using a 3 mm rounded steel tip on a universal test machine.
    • The load was applied at a rate of 1 mm/min until catastrophic fracture occurred, and the maximum force (N) was recorded.

This research provides critical material science data relevant to the development and clinical application of endodontic biomaterials and instrumentation protocols.

  • Biomaterial Validation: Confirms the mechanical equivalence of newer Calcium Silicate-based sealers (CS) compared to established Epoxy Resin sealers (AHPJ) in reinforcing dentin structure against vertical fracture. This supports the commercial viability of CS sealers.
  • Medical Device Optimization (Ni-Ti Files): The finding that preparation itself causes the largest drop in FR highlights the need for endodontic file manufacturers to optimize file taper and cutting geometry to minimize dentin removal while achieving adequate cleaning.
  • Clinical Efficiency and Protocol Design: Since SCT (a faster, simpler technique) provided equivalent fracture resistance to CLCT (a more complex, time-consuming technique), this supports the adoption of SCT in clinical practice when using modern, high-performance sealers.
  • Dentin Reinforcement Products: Provides baseline mechanical data for evaluating future root canal filling materials designed specifically to increase the modulus of elasticity and bonding strength to dentin, thereby mitigating the risk of Vertical Root Fracture (VRF).
View Original Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance (FR) of the teeth that had been filled using two different root canal-filling techniques and root canal sealers. Methods: Ninety single-rooted lower premolars, extracted for periodontal reasons, were selected. The crowns of the teeth were removed with diamond saw to obtain a root length of 13 mm. The working length of the teeth, excluding the negative control group, was advanced until the number 10 K-file inserted into the root canal was visible through the apical orifice, and the working length was measured to be 1 mm less than the visible length. The teeth were divided into 6 different groups (n=15). Group 1: unprepared and unfilled (negative control), Group 2: prepared and unfilled (positive control): Group 3: prepared and filled with Ceraseal (CS) + Single Cone Technique (SCT), Group 4: prepared and CS + Cold Lateral Compaction Technique (CLCT), Group 5: prepared and filled with AH Plus Jet (AHPJ) + SCT, Group 6: prepared and filled with AHPJ + CLCT. Vertical force was applied to the universal test machine until fracture occurred, and the maximum force required to fracture was recorded. Results: The Positive control group had significantly less FR than other groups, while the negative control group had significantly more FR than other groups (P.05). Conclusions: There was no significant difference between root canal-filling sealer and techniques.