Effect of Two Gutta-percha Solvents and Two Sealers on Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth

Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of gutta-percha solvents on fracture resistance of endodontically treated roots. Materials and Methods: A total of 72 decrowned single canal human teeth were used. Eight of specimens were selected as a control group. Thereafter, the specimens were randomly divided into 2 groups (n= 32) according to gutta-percha solvent which used: 1) chloroform, 2) eucalyptol. Specimens were further subgrouped according to the application time: a) 5 min, b) 10 min. Then roots were obturated with AH26/guttapercha and iRoot SP/gutta-percha combinations (n= 8/group). The specimens were mounted in an acrylic resin and loaded to failure by using an universal testing machine. Results: The statistical analysis was completed using threeway ANOVA and Student’s t-Test (p<0.05). iRoot SP showed higher fracture resistance values than that of AH 26 (p<0.05). The fracture resistance values of chloroform groups were higher than eucalyptol groups (p<0.05). In both groups, extended application time resulted in decreased fracture resistance. Conclusion: The type of gutta-percha solvents and root canal sealers may differentially affect the fracture resistance of endodontically treated roots. Extended application of guttapercha solvents to dentin could have adverse effect on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated roots.