Evaluation of cytotoxicity and adaptability of a novel bioceramic root canal sealer: An in vitro and scanning electron microscope study

Context

Cytotoxicity and adaptability are among the highly imperative tests that should be performed on a novel endodontic material to ensure its successful implementation in endodontic treatment.

Aims

Assess a recently introduced bioceramic root canal sealer CeramoSeal with TotalFill BC and AH plus sealers regarding the cytotoxicity and adaptability.

Materials and Methods

Five sealer discs were prepared for each sealer and their extracts were cultured in 96-well plates containing human fibroblasts for 24 h. After their incubation, MTT solution was added to each well plate using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay plate reader was implemented to calculate the percentage of viable cells. Thirty mandibular single-rooted premolars were prepared using the Edge Endo rotary system, teeth were divided into three groups (n = 10) based on the sealer type: Group 1 CeramoSeal, Group 2 Totalfill, and Group 3 AH plus sealer. Teeth were sectioned longitudinally and viewed under a scanning electron microscope where the region with the gaps was identified and quantified as a percentage of the root canal's overall area.

Statistical Analysis

One-way ANOVA test was used for cytotoxicity, while Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman's tests were used for adaptability.

Results

Ceramoseal statistically significantly showed the lowest viability, at high concentrations AH plus showed the highest cell viability, while at lower concentration Totalfill BC sealer showed the highest cell viability percentage. The gap percentages were statistically significantly higher in Ceramoseal group, there was no statistically significant difference between AH Plus and Totalfill groups.

Conclusions

Ceramoseal sealer exhibited the lowest viability and highest gap percentage compared to the other sealers.

Retreatability of NeoSEALER Flo obturated with warm vertical compaction versus single-cone technique using two different retreatment systems

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the retreatability of NeoSEALER Flo obturated with warm vertical compaction (WVC) and single-cone (SC) techniques using two different retreatment systems.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-two root canals were shaped and obturated with NeoSEALER Flo either in an SC obturation technique or a WVC technique. Samples were retreated using ProTaper retreatment or EdgeFile XR retreatment system. The percentage of remaining debris after retreatment was analyzed under a scanning electron microscope using ImageJ software. The time taken to reach full working length (WL) and induce patency was recorded.

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using an unpaired t-test and a one-way analysis of variance test.

Results

The percentage of remaining debris after retreatment was significantly higher in the SC technique than in the WVC technique, regardless of the retreatment system used. EdgeFile XR system removed more filling material than the ProTaper retreatment system, regardless of the obturation technique. The apical region showed significantly higher remaining debris than other regions in all groups. The WL and patency were achieved faster in the SC group, while in the WVC group, the EdgeFile XR system was faster.

Conclusions

The WVC technique showed better retrieval of the filling material; however, a longer time was taken for retreatment. EdgeFile XR system performed better in removing filling materials from inside the canals.

Effects of industrial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis on the biology of Musca domestica L. (Diptera : Muscidae)

The effects of two industrial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bactimos and Vectobac) on larval and adult stages of Musca domestica L. were assessed in the laboratory. Biocides concentrations of 0.4% to 2% were tested on larvae, while the concentrations of 1% and 2% were tested on adults and were given to the flies in their diet. Larval mortality ranged between 38% and 53% and between 55% and 71% for bactimos and Vectobac respectively. Pupation rates decreased from 91% in the control group down to 47% and 29% for Bactimos and Vectobac respectively. Moreover, adult emergence rates decreased 3-4 folds in groups treated with the highest biocide concentrations. The effect on adult mortality was relatively lower, as control adults showed 4% mortality whereas those treated with Bactimos and Vectobac experienced 17-28% and 32-44% mortality respectively. In addition, biocides treatment induced a dramatic decrease in female fecundity from 273 eggs/female in the control to 118-180 eggs/female treated siblings. These findings indicate that Bactimos and Vectobac possess both direct and indirect harmful effects on Musca domestica.