Comparative Evaluation of Dentinal Tubular Penetration Depth, Adaptation and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Three Different Root Canal Sealers: An In-Vitro Study

Root canal sealers are important for successful endodontic treatment as they seal the canal system, reduce microleakage, and entomb residual bacteria. Adequate tubular penetration, adaptation, and antimicrobial efficacy improve the clinical outcome of root canal therapy, especially against persistent microorganisms such as Enterococcus faecalis. ZOE is known for its antimicrobial properties, Endoflas FS for enhanced antibacterial activity and sealing ability, and MTA Fillapex for its bioactivity and sealing potential. Therefore, this in-vitro study compared the dentinal tubular penetration, adaptation, and antimicrobial efficacy of ZOE, Endoflas FS, and MTA Fillapex. To evaluate and compare the dentinal tubular penetration depth, Adaptation and Antimicrobial efficacy of 3 different root canal sealers. Sixty extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were divided into three groups: Group 1 – ZOE, Group 2 – Endoflas FS, and Group 3 – MTA Fillapex. Root canal treatment was performed, and sealers were introduced using a Lentulo spiral followed by single-cone obturation. Samples were sectioned at apical, middle, and coronal levels, gold coated, and examined under SEM for penetration depth and adaptation. Antimicrobial efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis was assessed using the agar diffusion method at 24, 48, and 72 hours. MTA Fillapex showed the greatest dentinal tubular penetration and best adaptation with minimal gap formation, while ZOE showed the least penetration and highest gaps. Penetration was highest in the coronal third and lowest in the apical third in all groups. Endoflas FS demonstrated the highest antimicrobial efficacy at all time intervals, followed by ZOE, whereas MTA Fillapex showed the least antibacterial activity. Antimicrobial activity decreased over time in all groups. MTA Fillapex demonstrated superior sealing ability, penetration, and adaptation, whereas Endoflas FS showed the strongest antimicrobial efficacy. ZOE exhibited comparatively poorer adaptation and penetration. Further in-vivo studies are recommended to evaluate the long-term clinical performance of these sealers.