PURPOSE: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the interface dentin-sealer of two sealers (RealSeal and AH Plus) using two magnifications under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). METHODS: The coronal two thirds of eight extracted molars were removed and the dentin surfaces were grounded with the sequential use of #180 and #320 SIC paper under water cooling. The samples were divided into two groups of four in accordance to the sealer to be used. The dentin surfaces were treated with 17% EDTA followed by 5.25% NaOCl. Cylinders from polyethylene tubes were applied to the dentin surfaces and filled with freshly prepared sealers. Following 2h setting and storage at 37ºC at 100% humidity for a week, the teeth were cut perpendicularly to allow the visualization of the area containing the hole, thus the interface dentin-sealer. SEM analysis was done at three areas along the interface, at 150x and1000x. RESULTS: The repeated measures ANOVA showed no significant differences between the magnifications. AH-Plus displayed significantly more gaps in the interface dentin-sealer than RealSeal. (p=0.002). The increase in magnification, from 150x to 1000x, did not allow any additional identification of gaps. CONCLUSION: RealSeal produced less gaps than AH Plus. It could be assumed that 150x is good enough to show defects in the interface dentin-sealer.
Sealer; dentin; SEM analysis
