Sealer penetration and apical microleakage in smear-free dentin after a final rinse with either 70% isopropyl alcohol or Peridex

Tensioactive agents may alter dentinal wettability allowing increased sealer penetration into dentinal tubules. This may improve the apical seal and better entomb remaining bacteria. The purpose of this study was to determine if a final rinse with either 70% isopropyl alcohol or Peridex in instrumented, smear-free canals would affect apical microleakage or Roth's 801 sealer penetration into dentinal tubules. Sixty root segments were instrumented followed by smear layer removal. The segments were randomly divided into three groups receiving a final rinse with 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 70% isopropyl alcohol or Peridex. Obturation was completed using lateral compaction and Roth's 801 sealer pigmented with carbon black. Microleakage was measured by fluid filtration. Sealer penetration was measured using light microscopy. No significant differences were found between groups for microleakage or sealer penetration. Although a final rinse with either 70% isopropyl alcohol or Peridex did not increase sealer penetration, neither significantly affected apical microleakage compared to NaOCl.