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. 2025 Mar;28(3):231-236.
doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_842_24. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

Dentinal tubule penetration of a silicone-based endodontic sealer following N-acetyl cysteine intracanal medicament removal using ultrasonic agitation and laser activated irrigation - An in vitro study

Pranjali S Narvekar  1 , Sunita Shivanand  1 , Sneha Patil  1 , Sarvesh Raikar  1 , Amrita Mallick  1 , Preeti K Doddwad  1
Affiliations

Dentinal tubule penetration of a silicone-based endodontic sealer following N-acetyl cysteine intracanal medicament removal using ultrasonic agitation and laser activated irrigation - An in vitro study

Pranjali S Narvekar et al. J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Mar.

Abstract

Context: The removal of intracanal medicament is essential for sealer penetration and the success of endodontic therapy.

Aims: To evaluate and compare the dentinal tubule penetration of a silicone-based endodontic sealer following N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) intracanal medicament removal using ultrasonic agitation and laser-activated irrigation.

Materials and methods: Eighty-one extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated and prepared with ProTaper Universal rotary files up to MAF F3. To prepare medicament, NAC powder was mixed with propylene glycol in the ratio of 1:1, placed using a size #30 Lentulospiral, and specimens stored in an incubator for 14 days. The specimens were then instrumented with #30 Hedström and divided into three groups according to final irrigant activation techniques: Group I: Diode laser activation, Group II: Passive Ultrasonic agitation, Group III: No agitation (positive control). Canals were obturated with GuttaFlow bioseal sealer mixed with 0.1% Rhodamine B dye and gutta-percha cones and incubated for 7 days. The specimens were sectioned horizontally to obtain 1 mm thick sections from 2, 5, and 8 mm from the apex. Sections were examined under Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope to measure the depth of sealer penetration (in µm).

Statistical analysis: One-way analysis of variance and Tukeys multiple post hoc test.

Results: The highest mean depth of penetration of 728.52 µm was seen with Group I, followed by Group II and least was seen in Group III.

Conclusions: Diode laser activation group was most effective in the removal of NAC intracanal medicament from all the three regions of the root canal.

Keywords: Confocal laser scanning microscope; N-acetyl cysteine; conventional syringe needle irrigation; diode laser activation; guttaFlow bioseal; passive ultrasonic agitation.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CLSM Images depicting penetration of GuttaFlow Bioseal sealer
Figure 2
Figure 2
Comparison of sealer penetration among Graph 1- Group I, II and III and Graph 2- coronal, middle and apical third region
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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