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Evaluation of percentage and depth of smartpaste bio versus AH plus sealer penetration using three different activation techniques: A confocal laser scanning microscopic study

Aim: The aim of the following study was to evaluate the effects of three root canal sealer activation techniques on percentage and depth of penetration of SmartPaste Bio and AH Plus sealers using the confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Materials and Methods: Root canals of sixty teeth prepared till rotary F3 ProTaper size were divided into two equal groups on the basis of type of sealer used: AH Plus (Dentsply–DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany) and SmartPaste Bio sealer (Endotechnologies, LLC, Shrewsbury, MA, USA). Sealers were mixed with Rhodamine B for visibility under CLSM. Each group was further divided into three equal subgroups on the basis of sealer activation technique: (i) Sonic, (ii) ultrasonic, and (iii) manual dynamic. The specimens were obturated with gutta-percha by cold lateral condensation. Horizontal sections at 3 mm from the apex were obtained, and the percentage and depth of penetration of sealers into dentinal tubules were measured using CLSM. Results: Group 1 (ii) showed the highest mean depth of penetration (1260 μm) and maximum mean percentage of sealer penetration (90.004), whereas Group 2 (i) showed minimum mean depth of penetration (492 μm) and minimum mean percentage of sealer penetration (23.7). Statistical significant differences among all the groups were found at the 3 mm level (P < 0.001; analysis of variance - Tukey's tests) for the depth and percentage of sealer penetration. Conclusion: Percentage and depth of sealer penetration are influenced by the type of sealer used and the sealer activation technique. SmartPaste Bio sealer and ultrasonic method of activation gave best results.