Influence of root canal sealer on the radiographic appearance of filling voids in maxillary single-rooted teeth

Abstract

Objective: This study compared the infJuence of three epoxy resin-based sealers with distinct radiopacities on the observers' ability to detect root canal filling voids during radiographic analysis. Material and methods: The root canais of 48 extracted maxillary canines were prepared and divided into three groups. Each group was laterally condensed with one sea/er (AH P/us™, Acrosea/® o r a non-radiopaque sealer), and a longitudinal void was simulated in half of the specimens from each group (n=S). Buccolingual radiographs were obtained and randomly interpreted for voids by a radiologist and an endodontist in a blinded fashion. Teeth were cut and inspected under a microscope to confirm the position of void. Differences in sensitivity and specificity between groups and examiners were compared using the Fisher's Exact and McNemar tests, respectively (a=O.OS). Results: Significantly lower sensitivity leveis (p<O.OS) were observed in the coronal portion of fillings performed with both radiopaque sealers. Specificity va/ues for Acroseal® were significantly higher (p<O.OS) in the coronal and apical portions of fillings. Conclusions: The type of root canal sealer can affect the observers' ability to detect root canal filling voids during radiographic analysis of upper single-rooted teeth.