In vitro evaluation of the dissolving effect of solvents on root canal sealers.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate two commonly used gutta-percha solvents for their effectiveness in dissolving several types of root canal sealers. Seven different sealers (AH26, AH Plus, Diaket, Roekoseal, Sankin Apatite Root Sealer, Sealapex, and Sultan U/P) were used in this study. After mixing according to the manufacturers' directions, each material was syringed into 30 glass capillary tubes, and a total of 210 tubes were placed in a humidifier at 37 degrees C for one week to allow the materials to set completely. Each group of 30 tubes, obturated with one type of sealer, was then randomly divided into three subgroups, including 10 tubes each. Chloroform was used in the first ten tubes from each sealer group. Halothane was used for the second group. In the last group, the sealer was removed with files, without using any solvent. The time necessary to pass a file through to the end of the tube was recorded for each sample in seconds. Results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Sealapex did not set at all unless in contact with air. Roekoseal did not adhere to the glass capillary tubes, and was therefore easily removed from the tube in all samples. AH26 and AH Plus root canal sealers tightly adhered to the tube walls, so none of the techniques were effective in removing them from the tubes within 30 min. Diaket root canal sealer was easily removed using solvents (P < 0.05). There was no advantage in using solvents to remove Sankin Apatite Root Sealer (P > 0.05). Solvents were found to be very effective in dissolving the Sultan U/P root canal sealer (P < 0.05).