Comparison of Root End Sealing Ability of Three Retrograde Filling Materials in Teeth with Root Apices Resected at 90° using Dye Penetration Method under Fluorescent Microscope: An In-vitro Study

Background: Inadequate seal at the apex is the substantial cause for surgical endodontic dissatisfaction. The retrograde filling material which is used should prevent the egress of potential contaminants into periradicular tissue.

Objectives: To evaluate the ability of MTA Angelus, Zirconomer and Bioactive bone cement to seal the root end as retrograde filling material; and to compare root end sealing ability of these three different retrograde filling materials with apices resected at 900 angles using dye penetration method under fluorescent microscope.

Methodology: Thirty six extracted upper anterior teeth are to be cut horizontally at the CEJ. After following the standard protocols of, “cleaning, shaping and obturation” with gutta percha and “AH Plus sealer”, the samples will be resected 3mm at the apical end at 90 degree angle along the long axis of the tooth with the help of diamond disc. A root end cavity of depth 3mm will be made with Diamond coated ultrasonic surgical tip S12 90 ND. The teeth will be randomly categorized in 3 groups: Group 1: MTA angelus; Group 2: Zirconomer; Group 3: Bioactive Bone Cement. Following which the roots to be coated with nail varnish except the tip. Each material will be compressed in the root end cavity with the help of small pluggers. All the samples which are retrofilled will be kept in acrydine orange for a duration of 24 hours, following which cleaning & bucco-lingual sectioning(vertical) will be done. Fluorescent microscope will be used for observation of sectioned root samples.

Expected Results: Bioactive bone cement is expected to have better sealing ability of the retrograde cavity preparation with minimal or no microleakage followed by MTA Angelus and then Zirconomer.

Conclusion: If this study proves correct, this would be helpful for the clinicians to choose better and the most efficient retrograde filling material with best sealing ability and minimal microleakage in a retrograde preparation which will aid in success of the root canal treatment further resolving the infection.