Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of dentinal tubule penetration of Epiphany in severely curved root canals

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the depth of dentinal tubule sealer penetration in the apical thirds of severely curved root canals obturated with Resilon/Epiphany self-etch (SE) or gutta-percha/AH Plus using scanning electron microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 34 extracted human mandibular molars with 25-40° curvature of the mesial root canal were selected for this study. After preparation, the mesiobuccal canals were randomly obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer or Resilon and Epiphany SE sealer. Sealer penetration was evaluated in 2 mm sections of the apical thirds of roots using scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test, with significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS Mean tubular penetration depth did not differ significantly between Resilon SE (172.22 μm) and AH Plus (122.18 μm; P > 0.05). The density of sealer tags in the apical thirds of root canals was also equivalent (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Average penetration into dentinal tubules in the apical thirds of severely curved roots did not differ significantly between Epiphany SE and AH Plus.