Presence of pores and vacuoles in set endodontic sealers

Authors:
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Aim  To assess qualitatively the presence of pores and vacuoles in the structure of various endodontic sealers when set.Methodology  Eight specimens were prepared in keeping with Instituto Argentino de Racionalización de Materiales (IRAM) and ISO regulations for each of the 10 sealers assessed. Four specimens per sealer were examined to identify the presence of structural defects, termed pores, on the external surface. The remaining four specimens were used to examine the presence of defects on the surface exposed by cross‐sectional fracture; these were termed vacuoles. The largest and smallest diameters of the pores and vacuoles were measured by scanning electron microscope on both surfaces. The structural defects were classified according to their frequency as abundant, frequent, scarce or exceptional.Results  Pores and vacuoles were consistently found in every specimen of each sealer. However, their frequency and dimensions were greater in zinc‐eugenol‐based sealers than in epoxy‐resins and glass–ionomer sealers; they increased if the sealer contained calcium hydroxide. The diameter of the pores ranged from 5 to 320 μm and the diameter of the vacuoles ranged from 80 to 500 μm. The diameter of the vacuoles always exceeded that of the pores.Conclusions  Pores and vacuoles were a consistent finding in set sealers. Their frequency and size depended on the density of the sealer and increased when the sealers contained calcium hydroxide.

This publication has 19 references indexed in Scilit: