Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NP) addition on Endoseal MTA intra-tubular penetration after cleaning and shaping of root canal with different irrigation protocols using the confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).
Methods: 56 human mandibular premolars were used. Access cavities were opened. After biomechanical preparation, teeth were divided equally into 2 groups (n=28) G1 (Endoseal MTA without TiO2NP) and G2 (Endoseal MTA with 1 wt% of TiO2NP). Each group was further subdivided equally into 2 sub-groups (n=14): sub-group N (5.25% NaOCL) and sub-group T (Green tea). Each irrigant was further subdivided equally into 2 sub-groups (n=7): sub-group CI (conventional needle irrigation) and sub-group PUI (Passive ultrasonic irrigation). Sealers were mixed with the Rhodamine B fluorescent dye for analysis of sealer penetration under the CLSM at 10x magnification and obturation was carried out in lateral condensation technique. From each root 3 (1 mm) slices were obtained representing the coronal, middle and apical thirds. Results were tabulated and statistically analyzed.
Results: Both of NaOCl and PUI groups had a significantly higher value of sealer intra-tubular penetration than green tea and CI groups in both types of sealer. Endoseal MTA sealer without TiO2NP had a higher value of intra-tubular penetration than Endoseal MTA sealer with TiO2NP yet the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Both of NaOCl and PUI permit a significantly greater sealer intra-tubular penetration compared to green tea and CI. Endoseal MTA exhibited greater intra-tubular penetration compared to Endoseal MTA with TiO2NP.