Microgap Evaluation of Novel Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Obturating System: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of an endodontic obturation is to obtain a fluid tight hermetic seal of the entire root canal system. There has been an evolution of different materials and techniques to achieve this desired gap free fluid tight seal due to presence of anatomic complexity of the root canal system.

AIM: To compare the microgap occurring in root canals obturated with hydrophilic versus hydrophobic systems using scanning electron microscope.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted human single-rooted premolars were decoronated, instrumented using NiTi rotary instruments. The samples (n=20) were divided into three groups and obturated with Group A - (control group) gutta-percha with AH Plus, Group B - C-point with Smartpaste Bio and Group C - gutta-percha with guttaflow 2. The samples were split longitudinally into two halves and microgap was observed under scanning electron microscope in the apical 3 mm of the root canal.

RESULTS: Group A (control) showed a mean difference of 8.54 as compared to 5.76 in group C. Group B showed the lowest mean difference of 0.83 suggesting that the hydrophilic system (C-point/Smartpaste Bio) produced least microgap as compared to the hydrophobic groups.

CONCLUSION: Novel hydrophilic obturating system (C-points/ Smart-paste Bio) showed better seal and least microgap as compared to gutta-percha/guttaflow 2 and gutta-percha/ AH plus which showed gap at the sealer dentin interface due to less penetration and bonding of these hydrophobic obturating system.