Healing Outcomes Following Hydraulic Condensation With a Bioactive Bioceramic Sealer in Root Canal Treatment

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Root Canal Obturation With Hydraulic Condensation and Bioceramic Biomaterial: A 12-Month Prospective Study on Periapical Healing

This prospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the healing outcomes after root canal treatment using a bioceramic sealer called BioRoot RCS in combination with a technique known as hydraulic condensation. Root canal treatment is a common procedure used to remove infection and preserve teeth. Bioceramic materials have recently gained attention due to their ability to support natural healing, form a strong seal in the root canal, and stimulate tissue regeneration.

A total of 66 permanent teeth from patients diagnosed with either irreversible pulpitis or apical periodontitis were treated and followed over a 12-month period. All treatments were completed in a single visit and followed a standardized protocol using sonic irrigation and a calibrated drying method. The sealer used-BioRoot RCS-is a bioactive, calcium silicate-based material that hardens in the presence of moisture and promotes healing.

Patients were monitored clinically and radiographically using the Periapical Index (PAI), which is a scale that measures the status of periapical tissue (area around the root tip). Healing was considered successful if the treated teeth remained symptom-free and showed favorable radiographic changes over time.

This prospective single-arm clinical study was designed to evaluate the healing outcomes following root canal treatment performed using a calcium silicate-based bioceramic sealer (BioRoot™ RCS) in conjunction with the hydraulic condensation obturation technique. The protocol emphasized clinical standardization, with all treatments completed in a single visit by experienced endodontists under magnification.

Following local anesthesia and rubber dam isolation, root canals were prepared using rotary nickel-titanium instrumentation to a standardized apical size (generally ISO 35-45 depending on canal anatomy), and irrigation was performed with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) activated with a sonic device (EndoActivator, Dentsply Sirona). A final rinse protocol included 17% EDTA and saline, followed by calibrated drying with a single paper point to ensure optimal moisture conditions for the setting of the bioceramic sealer.

BioRoot RCS was mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions and delivered into the canals using a dedicated syringe tip. A single-cone gutta-percha point matching the apical preparation size was inserted with slight apical pressure to displace excess sealer, completing the hydraulic condensation process. No thermoplasticized techniques or heat sources were used to preserve the bioactive potential of the sealer.

Postoperative radiographs were taken immediately and at recall intervals of 6 and 12 months. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were conducted using the Periapical Index (PAI), with scoring by two calibrated examiners blinded to the clinical data. Inter-examiner agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa.

The primary endpoint was periapical healing, operationally defined as a reduction in PAI score and the absence of symptoms. Comparative analysis was also performed between teeth with and without baseline periapical pathology to assess differential healing responses.

The inclusion criteria encompassed:

permanent teeth patients aged over 18 years both biological genders good general health, teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis or apical periodontitis

Exclusion criteria included:

teeth with previous root canal treatment, teeth with open apices (immature teeth), teeth with extensive resorption, teeth with severe periodontal disease