Fracture resistance of teeth obturated with RealSeal using two different chelating agents: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth filled with a resin-based obturation material using two different chelating agents. METHODS AND MATERIALS Forty extracted single-canal human teeth were prepared, instrumented, and randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 (n=15) received a final flush with 10 ml of neutralized 17% EDTA, followed by 10 ml of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), then obturated using lateral condensation with RealSeal. Group 2 (n=15) received a final flush of BioPure MTAD, followed by 10 ml of NaOCl, then obturated using lateral condensation with RealSeal. Group 3, the control group (n=10), was instrumented but not obturated, then the root canal opening was sealed with a temporary filling material. The specimens were stored in 100% humidity for 10 days, mounted in polyester resin, and loaded to failure. RESULTS The ANOVA revealed a significant difference between the control group and the experimental groups, although there was no statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 (p=0.05). The MTAD group displayed higher mean fracture load values than the EDTA group. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that filling the root canals with RealSeal increased the in vitro resistance to fracture of single-canal extracted human teeth when compared to instrumented and unobturated teeth. Teeth treated with MTAD demonstrated high fracture-resistance values when compared to teeth treated with 17% EDTA, but they were not statistically significant. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Filling the root canals with RealSeal with increased bonding to roots will increase resistance to fracture of these teeth.