Fatigue behavior of teeth filled with calcium silicate- and epoxy resin-based sealers in bulk or associated with a main core material

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the fatigue behavior of teeth filled with a calcium silicate-based sealer (Bio-C Sealer, BC) in comparison to an epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus, AH), in bulk or associated with gutta-percha as main core material. Methods: Root canals of 72 human maxillary incisors and canines were prepared using nickel-titanium reciprocating instruments and randomly assigned to 2 control groups: C- (without preparation and filling) and C+ (prepared but not filled); and 4 experimental groups: BC-B (BC in bulk); BC-GP (BC + gutta-percha); AP-B (AH in bulk); AP-GP (AH + gutta-percha). The specimens were submitted to a survival analysis after the cyclic fatigue test. Results: The experimental groups showed similar fatigue behavior (P> .05), being also similar to C+ (BC-B = BC-GP = AP-B = AP-GP = C+). The C- group presented the best fatigue performance (P<.05), being similar only to the AP-GP group (P>.05). Considering a premature failure rate (~10%), lower performance is observed for experimental groups filled in bulk. Conclusions: The use of calcium silicate-based sealer is valid, both as bulk or associated with gutta-percha as a main core material, as it resulted on similar mechanical performance to an epoxy resin-based sealer. Despite that, the use of gutta-percha, as a main core material, seems to reduce the risk of premature failures. Clinical relevance: Ah Plus associated with gutta percha as main core material show similar fatigue behavior to sound teeth. Teeth filled in bulk, without gutta-percha as main core, had higher risk of premature failures.