A comparison of root fracture resistance using two root canal sealers

Aim The aim of this study was to compare in vitro root fracture resistance following root canal filling with either Ketac-Endo or Roth's root canal sealer. Methodology The roots of 40 teeth with single canals were instrumented and placed randomly into four groups of 10 teeth. The prepared canals were obturated with lateral compaction using gutta-percha and Roth's 801 sealer, lateral compaction and Ketac-Endo sealer or with a single cone and Ketac-Endo sealer; the fourth group acted as unfilled controls. The roots were stored for 2 weeks in 100% humidity prior to being mounted in acrylic resin blocks. A steel tipped rod attached to an Instron testing machine was positioned against the canal opening and a slowly increasing force was applied until root fracture occurred. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA. Results There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of force required to vertically fracture the roots. Conclusions Under the conditions of this study, the use of Ketac-Endo sealer in conjunction with lateral compaction or single-cone obturation techniques does not increase the fracture resistance of root-filled teeth.