Fracture Resistance of Roots Filled With Bio-Ceramic and Epoxy Resin-Based Sealers: In Vitro Study

Objective: This study aimed to assess the resistance of roots to fracture after being root canal filled with two types of endodontic sealers; bio-ceramic based sealer (TotalFill) and epoxy-resin based sealer (AH Plus). Methods: Fifty-nine single canal mandibular premolars were instrumented. Group I (n=14, negative control): root canals were left without instrumentation and unfilled, group II (n=15, positive control): root canals were instrumented only and left unfilled, group III and IV (n=15 each): root canals were instrumented and filled with either gutta-percha/TotalFill or gutta-percha/AH Plus, respectively. The resistance of the roots to fracture was measured with a universal testing machine "Instron Corp" through recording the maximum force in Newton (N) needed to fracture each root. To analyze the data Kruskal-Wallis test was utilized, followed by Dunn's Bonferroni post hoc test for multiple compa risons. The level of significance was set at 0.05 (P <= 0.05). Results: TotalFill group showed slightly better fracture resistance (734.62 N) than AH Plus group (728.29 N). However, no statistical significant difference was found between the two groups (P>0.05).The greatest mean fracture force was shown in the negative control group (913.915 N) with statistical significant difference between the other three groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Gutta-percha/TotalFill and gutta-percha/AH Plus did not reinforce the root canal treated teeth.