Rheological Properties of Nine Commercially Available Endodontic Sealers by Substrate and Temperature: A Comparative In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate flow, contact angles and capillary penetration of commercially available endodontic sealers by substrate (human root dentin discs [HRD] and gutta-percha [GP]) and by temperature [room (20 °C), or body (37 °C)]. METHODOLOGY: Nine commercially available endodontic sealers were tested using the two-plate method, contact angle calculation (measured on HRD and GP surface-for both temperatures), free-flow, and penetration co-efficiency using a capillary permeability test (in 37 °C). Discs, set-ups and sealers were prepared according to the protocol; specimens were photographed; results were collected; and all recordings were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The chemical composition of each sealer significantly affected rheological properties even in the same chemical group (p < 0.001). Also, recordings from every test made were also significantly influenced by temperature (p < 0.001). More specifically, the behaviour of sealers under higher temperature proved to be sealer-specific. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this study, it was verified that Endodontic sealers' rheological properties were affected by the substrate's composition and temperature. Additionally, body temperature significantly influenced thier performance.