Antimicrobial activity and flow rate of newer and established root canal sealers

Endodontic sealers that possess both optimum flow ability and antimicrobial properties may theoretically assist in the elimination of microorganisms l ocated in confined areas of the root canal system. The antimicrobial effect s and the flow rate of the following seaters were investigated and compared : Kerr Pulp Canal Sealer EWT, Grossman's Sealer, ThermaSeal, Sealer 26, AH Plus, and Sealer Plus, The agar diffusion test was used to assess the antim icrobial activity of the sealers. In the flow assay, the sealers were place d between two glass slabs and a weight of 500 g was placed on the top of th e glass. The diameters of the formed discs were recorded. All root canal se alers tested showed some antimicrobial activity against most of the microor ganisms. There were no significant differences between the materials tested (p > 0,05). All root canal sealers also flowed under the conditions of thi s study. Statistical analysis of the results revealed that AH Plus and Kerr Pulp Canal Seater EWT had flow values significantly superior to the other sealers tested (p > 0.05). Taken together, these findings suggest that thes e sealers have the potential to help in the microbial control in the root c anal system.