Insights into the impact of irrigation on endodontic sealers

A recent study from NIOM entitled “Endodontic sealers after exposure to chlorhexidine digluconate: An assessment of physicochemical properties" was published in Dental Materials. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) on the physicochemical properties of three widely used root canal sealers: AH Plus, BioRoot™ RCS, and Pulp Canal Sealer (PCS).

After completion of chemo-mechanical root canal preparation, remnants of irrigation solutions are present in the root canal system. Dental practitioners may sometimes face challenges in adequately drying the canals, especially in the apical third of the root canal or in cases of anatomical irregularities. CHX 2% can be used in endodontic treatment as a final irrigant, and remnants may affect the endodontic sealers used in root canal treatment, which was the main aim of this in vitro study to explore.

First author Vasilis Kapralos, a dentist and dental researcher from Greece, has a keen interest in Endodontics. He dedicated the last five years to research at NIOM and the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, the interactions between irrigation and endodontic sealers during his doctoral studies. Currently, he is applying his research experience to clinical practice while pursuing postgraduate studies in Clinical Endodontics at the Center for Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland.

Conclusions

CHX affected sealers’ physicochemical properties to various extents. Exposure to CHX did not affect solubility and radiopacity of the sealers, while wettability, microhardness and surface roughness were altered. AH Plus and PCS surfaces exhibited chlorine peaks after contact with CHX suggesting retention of CHX on their surface, whilst sealer leachates were not affected in terms of elements’ concentration and alkalinity.

Read the full article here.