Radiopacity of a New Root Canal Sealer, Epiphany

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of a new root canal sealer, Epiphany, relative to 3 other root canal sealing materials, AH 26, Sealapex, and Ketac-Endo. Study design: Radiographs were taken of 1-mm-thick specimens of 4 root canal sealers and dentine slides, as well as a range of aluminum thicknesses, by using a step-wedge. The radiographic density of each specimen was measured and correlated with the equivalent thickness of aluminum. Results: All sealers were found to be more radiopaque than dentine (1.05 ± 0.2-mm aluminum) and to possess radiopacity of greater than 3-mm aluminum. The radiopacity values reported in this study were 11.27 ± 0.18-mm, 10.88 ± 0.16-mm, 10.35 ± 0.15-mm, and 9.78 ± 0.21-mm aluminum for Sealapex, Ketac-Endo, Epiphany, and AH 26, respectively, which were significantly different from each other (P < .01). Conclusion: Radiopacity measurements for Epiphany, Ketac-Endo, Sealapex, and AH 26 exceeded the minimum standard for root canal sealers. Epiphany has higher radiopacity than dentine. Therefore, this sealer is suitable for endodontic usage in terms of radiographic assessment. © 2007 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.