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Three-dimensional obturation of the root canal system is the primary goal of endodontic treatment. Endodontic sealers should fill any irregularities in the root canal system and penetrate as deeply as possible into the dentinal tubules. They should also ensure that the gutta-percha points adhere well to the dentinal walls of the root canal without leaving voids at their margins.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate contemporary imaging techniques used for in vitro testing of selected specimens consisting of tooth scrapings after endodontic treatment with gutta-percha and selected endodontic sealers: AH Plus-Dentsply Sirona, Well Root ST-Vericon, Korea, and AH Bioceramics Sealer--Dentsply Sirona. The following imaging techniques were used in the evaluation: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), surgical microscopy, and light microscopy.
A comparison of the imaging methods (SEM, CLSM, micro-CT, surgical microscopy, light microscopy) showed significant differences in their suitability for assessing the penetration depth of endodontic sealers into dentinal tubules in vitro.
Based on the analysis of the imaging methods, it was concluded that confocal microscopy and SEM were the most objective and accurate methods for visually assessing the quality of root canal filling in vitro. However, the high cost of specimen preparation and the limited availability of specialized equipment are factors that limit their use in clinical settings.
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