The effect of a resin-based sealer cement on micropunch shear strength of dentin.

Dentinal tubules occupy a substantial proportion of total dentin volume, especially of inner dentin. Resin-based sealer cements are known to penetrate deeply into dentinal tubules, but their ability to influence root strength is controversial. In this study, the contribution of dentinal tubules to shear strength and the influence of a resin-based sealer on shear strength were evaluated. Coronal 100-microm sections of 12 single-canal premolar teeth were tested in different locations (buccal and proximal) and tubule directions (parallel and perpendicular) using the micropunch shear test (MPSS). Tests were also conducted by using 10 two-canal premolars, with one untreated canal and the other obturated using epoxy resin-based sealer (plus gutta-percha). No difference in MPSS was found because of location or tubule orientation (p > 0.05). Outer dentin had a higher MPSS than middle and inner dentin (p < 0.001). Tubule infiltration by epoxy resin did not increase MPSS.