A Comparison of Apical Seal Produced By Zinc Oxide Eugenol, Metapex, Ketac Endo and AH Plus Root Canal Sealers

Aim: The purpose of the study was to compare the apical seal produced by Zinc oxide eugenol sealer, calcium hydroxide based sealer (Metapex), Glass ionomer root canal sealer (Ketac Endo) and epoxy resin root canal sealer (AH Plus). Materials and methods: Biomechanical preparation using step back technique and irrigation with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite was done on 120 extracted, single rooted, non carious anterior teeth. The teeth were divided into four groups of 30 teeth each and roots filled with Zinc oxide eugenol, Metapex, Ketac Endo or AH Plus sealer. After decalcification and clearing process, level of dye leakage was measured using stereomicroscope and statistically analysed. Results: The results of the study revealed that all the specimens showed some leakage. The mean dye penetration values of Group I (Zinc oxide eu2enol), Group II (Metapex), Group III (Ketac Endo) and Group IV (AR Plus) were 1.39 mm, I.15 mm, 0.422 mm and 0.60 mm respectively. Conclusion: The present study concluded that Ketac Endo provides the best seal when compared with Zinc oxide eugenol, Metapex and AH Plus root canal sealers. Clinical Significance: The primary goal of successful endodontic therapy is complete obliteration of the root canal space which can be achieved by three dimensional obturation of the canal space. Previous studies have shown that lateral condensation of gutta percha and sealer can provide an adequate apical seal. The study enabled us to know the comparative sealing efficacy of different sealing materials employed and hence guide us towards better treatment results.