MICROLEAKAGE MARVELS: COMPARATIVE SEM ANALYSIS OF MICROLEAKAGE IN ZOE VS GUTTAFLOW 2 SEALERS
Dr. Anshdeep Singh, Dr. Aashi Mittal*, Dr. Anil Dhingra, Dr. Seema Dixit, Dr. Sheetal Grover, Dr. Pulkit Gupta
Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics,
Seema Dental College & Hospital, Rishikesh – 249203, Uttarakhand, India
ABSTRACT – Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microleakage of two different endodontic sealers, Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE) and GuttaFlow 2, using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Objective: The objectives were to evaluate the microleakage of ZOE and GuttaFlow 2, and to compare their sealing abilities in terms of dye penetration and bonding integrity at the sealer-dentine interface. Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted human first and second premolars were collected from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Seema Dental College & Hospital, Uttarakhand. The roots were prepared, and the canals were obturated with ZOE and GuttaFlow 2 sealers respectively. SEM was employed to assess the microleakage and examine the quality of the sealer-dentine interface. Dye penetration was used as an indicator of microleakage. The extent of leakage and the presence of gaps at the sealer-dentine interface were evaluated and compared. Results: SEM analysis revealed that both ZOE and GuttaFlow 2 showed gaps between the sealer and the dentine walls, with a poorly defined, curved contact line at the sealer-dentine interface. However, the mean dye penetration for the ZOE group was significantly higher than that of the GuttaFlow 2 group, indicating greater microleakage in the ZOE-sealed specimens. In contrast, GuttaFlow 2 showed lower dye penetration, suggesting better sealing performance and less microleakage. Conclusion: GuttaFlow 2, shows better apical sealing ability when compared to ZOE.
KEYWORDS: root canal treatment, ZOE, GuttaFlow 2, Microleakage