Solubility and dimensional change after setting of root canal sealers: a proposal for smaller dimensions of test samples

Abstract

This study proposed smaller dimensions for samples used in solubility and dimensional change tests of root filling materials on the basis of American National Standard Institute/American Dental Association (ANSI/ADA) Specification No. 57. The volume, mass, and density of the test samples were determined, and 6 different samples of smaller dimensions were proposed for each test. Endofill and AH Plus sealers were used in the tests. For the solubility test, 2 samples were weighted, stored in distilled and dionized water for 24 hours, dried, and weighed again. Solubility was calculated by using samples' weight loss (%). For dimensional change analysis, the samples' heights were measured before and after immersion in dionized water for 30 days. For both tests, correlation between data of the different groups was observed. Kruskal-Wallis test showed that Endofill sealer presented higher solubility values than AH Plus (P < .05). The Endofill sealer presented 0.56% of shrinkage and AH Plus 0.62% expansion. Smaller dimensions for test samples used in solubility and dimensional change tests are a viable alternative, decreasing the amount of filling material necessary for executing these tests.