Cytotoxicity, antibacterial and physicochemical properties of a new epoxy resin-based endodontic sealer containing calcium hydroxide

This study evaluated the cytotoxicity, antibacterial and physicochemical properties of a new epoxy resin-based endodontic sealer containing calcium-hydroxide Sealer Plus. AH Plus was used as a reference for comparison. Cytotoxicity evaluation was performed according to ISO-10993-5 specifications using MTT assay to check the 3T3 cells viability at 1- to 4-week periods. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using a direct contact test against Enterococcus faecalis. Radiopacity, solubility and flow evaluations were performed according to ISO-6876/2012 specifications. Setting time was assessed following the ANSI/ADA-standard-n.57. The pH level was measured at 3,24,48,72, and 168 hours. Data were statistically analyzed using t-test. The signi?cance level adopted was P0.05). Direct contact results revealed that both freshly prepared sealers has antibacterial effects against Enterococcus faecalis. However, after 7 days both sealers had lost much of their antibacterial effects. Although AH Plus presented higher radiopacity and flow than Sealer Plus (P0.05). AH Plus showed a higher setting time when compared to Sealer Plus (P<0.05). AH Plus and Sealer Plus showed a neutral pH during all tested periods (P<0.05). It can be concluded that Sealer Plus showed suitable properties to be used as an endodontic sealer, comparable with those obtained by AH Plus

A new instrument for root canal system finishing after chemomechanical preparation: XP-Endo Finisher

Objective: the objective of this paper is to present a literature review on XP-endo Finisher, addressing the results of studies that evaluated this new endodontic instrument. Material and Methods: a search was undertaken in PubMed and Bireme databases between 2015 (when the instrument was launched to the market) and 2017 using the following descriptors: XP-endo Finisher. Results: eighteen papers were retrieved and divided into categories according to the type of evaluation: Removal of calcium hydroxide paste; Removal of triple antibiotic paste; Removal of filling material; Extrusion of sodium hypochlorite during instrumentation; Extrusion of dentin debris during instrumentation; Antimicrobial and antibiofilm action; and removal of smear layer and debris. Conclusion: according to the papers reviewed in this study, it may be concluded that XP-endo Finisher may have a positive impact on the endodontic treatment. This instrument showed promising results for intracanal medication removal; filling material removal during endodontic retreatment; smear layer and debris removal; enhance of the antimicrobial action of irrigants; and improvement of biofilm removal