Comparative Evaluation of Retreatability of Endodontically Treated Teeth using AH 26, Fluoride Varnish and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate-based Endodontic Sealers

Endodontic sealers are used to fill the gap between the root filling material and canal walls. Retrievability is an important requirement for sealers and root filling materials in non-surgical endodontic retreatment. This study sought to assess the retreatability of fluoride varnish, AH 26 and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA)-based sealers using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

This in vitro, experimental study evaluated 45 extracted single-rooted, single-canal human mandibular premolars. Teeth with cracks or fracture were excluded. The root canals were prepared using ProTaper Universal rotary system up to size F4 according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The teeth were then randomly divided into three groups of 5% fluoride varnish, AH 26 and MTA Fillapex. CBCT scans were obtained of the teeth with 200 μm voxel size. MATLAB R2012 software was used to quantify the amount of sealer remaining in the canal. Two observers evaluated the images. Data were analyzed using SPSS via the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney tests.

The amount of sealer remaining in the root canals was significantly different among the three groups (P<0.05). The amount of AH 26 sealer remaining in the root canals (1.91±1.46) was significantly greater than MTA Fillapex (0.62±0.26) and fluoride varnish, but the latter two were not significantly different in this respect (P>0.05).

Considering the adequate adhesion of fluoride varnish to dentin, its cariostatic effect and low cost, it seems to be a suitable alternative to the commonly used endodontic sealers.