A comparison of root fracture resistance using two root canal sealers

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare in vitro root fracture resistance following root canal filling with either Ketac-Endo or Roth's root canal sealer.

Methodology: The roots of 40 teeth with single canals were instrumented and placed randomly into four groups of 10 teeth. The prepared canals were obturated with lateral compaction using gutta-percha and Roth's 801 sealer, lateral compaction and Ketac-Endo sealer or with a single cone and Ketac-Endo sealer; the fourth group acted as unfilled controls. The roots were stored for 2 weeks in 100% humidity prior to being mounted in acrylic resin blocks. A steel tipped rod attached to an Instron testing machine was positioned against the canal opening and a slowly increasing force was applied until root fracture occurred. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA.

Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of force required to vertically fracture the roots.

Conclusions: Under the conditions of this study, the use of Ketac-Endo sealer in conjunction with lateral compaction or single-cone obturation techniques does not increase the fracture resistance of root-filled teeth.