Influence of root canal sealer on the radiographic appearance of filling voids in maxillary single-rooted teeth

• Published in: Journal of applied oral science Vol. 20; no. 4; pp. 404 - 409
• Main Authors: Bodanezi, Augusto, Munhoz, Etiene Andrade, Capelozza, Ana Lúcia Álvares, Bernardineli, Norberti, Moraes, Ivaldo Gomes de, Garcia, Roberto Brandão, Bramante, Clovis Monteiro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru da Universidade de São Paulo 01-08-2012; Faculdade De Odontologia De Bauru - USP; University of São Paulo
• Subjects: Animals; Dental Pulp Cavity - diagnostic imaging; Dentistry; DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE; Dogs; Epoxy resins; Epoxy Resins - chemistry; Materials Testing; Maxilla; Observer Variation; Original; Radiography; Radiography, Dental - standards; Random Allocation; Root canal filling materials; Root Canal Filling Materials - chemistry; Root canal obturation; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tooth Root - diagnostic imaging; Radiography; Sensitivity and specificity; Root canal obturation; Epoxy resins; Root canal filling materials
• ISSN: 1678-7757; 1678-7765; 1678-7765; 1678-7757
• DOI: 10.1590/s1678-77572012000400003

This study compared the influence of three epoxy resin-based sealers with distinct radiopacities on the observers' ability to detect root canal filling voids during radiographic analysis.
The root canals of 48 extracted maxillary canines were prepared and divided into three groups. Each group was laterally condensed with one sealer (AH Plus®, Acroseal® or a non-radiopaque sealer), and a longitudinal void was simulated in half of the specimens from each group (n=8). Buccolingual radiographs were obtained and randomly interpreted for voids by a radiologist and an endodontist in a blinded fashion. Teeth were cut and inspected under a microscope to confirm the position of void. Differences in sensitivity and specificity between groups and examiners were compared using the Fisher's Exact and McNemar tests, respectively (α=0.05).
Significantly lower sensitivity levels (p<0.05) were observed in the coronal portion of fillings performed with both radiopaque sealers. Specificity values for Acroseal® were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the coronal and apical portions of fillings.
The type of root canal sealer can affect the observers' ability to detect root canal filling voids during radiographic analysis of upper single-rooted teeth.