Effect of different obturation techniques on sealer penetration in teeth with artificial internal root resorption: A confocal laser microscope analysis

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of different obturation techniques on sealer penetration in teeth with internal root resorption using confocal laser microscopy. Methods: An artificial internal resorption cavity (3 mm deep and 1.2 mm in diameter) was formed in the round-shaped root canals of 45 single-rooted teeth at a distance of 7 mm from the apex, then roots were instrumented (size 40/.06). The samples were divided into three groups (n = 15) according to the obturation technique: lateral compaction (LC), warm vertical compaction (WVC) and carrier-based (CB). Results: In the resorption regions, the sealer penetration depth in the CB and LC groups was significantly higher than that in the WVC group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the penetration depth of the sealer in the resorption region was higher in the CB and LC groups as compared to that in the WVC group.