An in vitro comparative evaluation of retreatability of a bioceramic and resin sealer using cone-beam computed tomography analysis

Aims: The aim is to evaluate the retreatability of BioRoot RCS (BCS)/Gutta-percha (GP) as compared to AH Plus/GP with and without a solvent using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Mesio-buccal canals in 48 first mandibular molars were instrumented using iRace rotary files up to size 25.4% and obturated with GP using one of the following sealers, BCS and AH Plus. Post obturation, the teeth were scanned using a CBCT. All samples were divided into four groups (n = 12). Group 1: GP/BCS was removed using D-Race retreatment files and xylene as a solvent; Group 2: GP/BCS was removed using D-Race retreatment files without xylene; Group 3: GP/AH Plus was removed using D-Race retreatment files with xylene; Group 4: GP/AH Plus was removed using D-Race retreatment files without xylene. Time taken to reach the working length (WL) was recorded. Samples were again scanned using CBCT and the remaining filling material was calculated in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds. Data were tabulated and analyzed via Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney Post hoc test (P < 0.05). Results: Group 3 exhibited significantly less time to reach WL as compared to Group 1. There was no significant difference between Group 2 and Group 4. In all groups, the apical third had the most remaining filling material (Group 1 - 13.75 ± 4.83, Group 2 - 18.33 ± 3.26, Group 3 - 10.42 ± 3.34, Group 4 - 15.42 ± 3.34). WL and patency were re-established in all the samples. Conclusions: Irrespective of the retreatment technique employed complete removal of both the sealers could not be achieved. However, retreatability of AH Plus with xylene was superior to that of BioRoot RCS.