Introduction. The aim of this in vitro study was to test and analyze the
sealing ability of three endodontic materials used for permanent obturation,
in between the dentin walls and the gutta-percha points, using a scanning
electron microscope. Material and Methods. Forty-five recently extracted
single-root teeth, treated by a step-back technique, were divided into three
groups (15 teeth in each); the canals were filled with three different
permanent obturation materi?als: N2 - zinc oxide root canal cement, Gutta
Flow (Coltene), and Endomethasone N (Septodont). Their sealing ability and
adhesive properties were analyzed using field emission gun scanning electron
microscope, at the time when they were applied between the dentin walls of
the canal and the gutta-percha. Results. The results of the scanning electron
microscope analysis have shown that all the three sealers have good adhesion
properties when used over the root canal walls in the apical third. Good
adaptation of the filling used for the root canal walls in the middle and the
cervical third was found only in teeth obturated using Gutta Flow, while
samples obturated by N2 - zinc oxide root canal cement and Endomethasone
showed the weak?est adhesion, and greatest number of cracks between the
sealer and the canal wall. Conclusion. When using a single-cone obturation
technique, compared to other obturation materials, Gutta Flow shows
considerably better adaptation to the root canal wall and the gutta-percha
points in the apical, middle, and the cervical third of the root.