Evaluation of penetration of different root canal sealers into lateral canals with micro-CT

Root canals can have a complex anatomy, such as ramificaitons and lateral canals. Since the lateral canals are the formations between pulp and periodontium, the 3-dimensional sealing of these formations is necessary for the success of endodontic treatment. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the penetration of two canal sealers into lateral canals in different levels with different activation methods, with micro-ct in 2 and 3 dimensions. Lateral canals were created at apical 2, 4, 6 mm levels of single root single canal upper central teeth prepared with ProtaperNext # X3. Teeth were divided by 2 groups according to the sealer's type.(AHPlus-MTAFillapex) and 3 subgroups according to activation application (sonic-ultrasonic-non-activation) (6 different groups with n = 8). The proportion of the paste in the canal in terms of size and volume was determined. Statistical analysis of the values were made with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U test at the significance level of P <0.05. Pearson correlation analysis was performed between 2 and 3 dimensional values. A statistically significant ultrasonic> sonic> control order was observed in the penetration of the pastes. There was no significant difference between pastes. While there was no statistically significant difference between the middle and coronal regions, statistically more penetration was observed in both regions than the apical region. There was a high positive correlation between the 2 and 3 dimensional evaluations. Consequently; • The sealers show a significantly higher penetration with activation - specially ultrasonic- • No paste or method used to fill the lateral canals has not provided the canals to be filled completely, the lateral canals seen in the apical region are the most difficult to fill, • When evaluating sealer penetration into lateral canals; It was seen that analysis of the filling ratio in the lateral canals with 2D measurements could be used instead of micro-CT.