Evaluation of the quality of root fillings in teeth with simulated internal root resorption cavities obturated with different bioceramic materials by using μCT

Aim:The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the quality of root fillings in teeth with simulated internal resorptive cavities filled with MTA, Biodentine, Total Fill BC root canal sealer and warm gutta percha techniques by using micro-computed tomography (μCT). Methodology: Forty extracted maxillary central incisor teeth were used in this study. After root canal instrumentation using ProTaper Next file system, teeth were sectioned mesiodistally and simulated internal resorption cavities were created 5 mm distance from the apex. After roots were reassembled, specimens were randomly divided into 4 groups according to material used for filling resorption cavities as follows: MTA, Biodentine, Total Fill BC root canal sealer and warm gutta-percha+ Total Fill BC sealer. To evaulate the obturation quality, percentage of voids between resorption cavity walls and obturation material (external voids) and within obturation materials (internal voids) were calculated by using μCT. Results: There was a significant difference between experimental groups in terms of percentage of external and internal voids (p<0.05). Internal and external void percentages were significantly higher in Total Fill BC group when compared to all other groups (p<0.05). Percentage of external void was significantly lower in Biodentine group when compared to other groups (p<0.05). There was a siginificant difference between MTA and warm gutta percha+ Total Fill BC sealer (p<0.05). However no significant difference was found between Biodentine ve warm gutta percha+ Total Fill BC sealer in terms of internal voids. (p>0.05) Conclusion: None of the obturation materials were created a void-free obturation in resorption cavities. Further investigations are required evaluating the quality of the root canal fillings in resorption cavities obturated with different bioceramic materials and obturation techniques. Keywords: Internal root resorption, µCT, MTA, Biodentine, Bioceramic based root canal sealer, warm gutta percha