(PR74) Evaluating in Vitro Performance of D-Limonene as a Solvent for Facilitating Patency in Simulated Root Canals Obturated with a Bioceramic Sealer

Abstract: The use of bioceramic sealers in a single-cone obturation technique is increasingly commonplace. A well-set bioceramic sealer, especially in a canal where gutta-percha is short of the working length, may pose a challenge to achieving patency if that canal requires retreatment. D-Limonene is a solvent used to remove obturation materials during retreatment. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of D-Limonene to facilitate reacquisition of patency through a bioceramic sealer. Thirty plastic blocks with J-shaped root canals were obturated with EndoSequence BC Sealer and gutta-percha cones trimmed to fit 2.0 mm short of working length. The blocks were placed in 100% humidity for two weeks to ensure complete setting of the materials. Gutta-percha was removed with Profiles, and then an attempt was made to regain patency using a #15 K-file with the help of chloroform, D-Limonene, or saline. Data from the chloroform group was excluded because of a 90% failure to achieve patency due to the material’s corrosive effects on the plastic blocks. Patency was achieved in under three minutes in 70% of the D-Limonene blocks and 50% of the saline blocks, but no statistically significant difference between D-Limonene and saline was observed in the average time to regain patency. According to this in vitro study, D-Limonene was not a more effective solvent for regaining patency in canals obturated with bioceramic sealers than saline. Further studies are needed to ascertain whether D-limonene is a workable alternative to traditional solvents like chloroform for removing bioceramic sealers.