Comparative Apical Sealing Performance of Bioceramic and Resin-Based Sealers: A Fluid Filtration Analysis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Achieving a three-dimensional seal in the apical, lateral, and coronal regions of the root canal is a key objective in endodontic treatment. This study aimed to compare the apical sealing ability of NeoSealer Flo, MTA-Fillapex, and AH-26 over different time intervals using the fluid filtration method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, 58 single-rooted premolars (n=18 per group; 2 positive and 2 negative controls) were selected and prepared using the ProTaper system up to file F3. Canals were obturated with the single-cone technique using one of the three tested sealers. Apical microleakage was measured at 24 hours, 1 week, and 4 weeks using the fluid filtration method. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, ANCOVA, and Tukey's HSD post hoc test (P<0.05). RESULTS: The results indicated that sealer type, time, and their interaction had a statistically significant effect on apical microleakage (P<0.001). NeoSealer Flo showed the lowest and AH-26 the highest leakage values across all time intervals. In all three groups, microleakage decreased over time. This reduction was statistically significant from 24 hours to 1 week in the NeoSealer Flo and MTA-Fillapex groups (P<0.001), and from 1 week to 4 weeks in the AH-26 group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, NeoSealer Flo demonstrated superior apical sealing ability at all time points. Under single-cone obturation conditions, bioceramic sealers such as NeoSealer Flo may provide more predictable long-term apical sealing compared to resin-based alternatives.