The Self-etching Potential of RealSeal Versus RealSeal SE

Introduction: This study evaluated the true self-etching potential of RealSeal and RealSeal SE to ensure that they are aggressive enough to etch through endodontic smear layers and demineralize the intact radicular dentin without adjunctive use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Methods: Mixed RealSeal and RealSeal SE were applied to (1) instrumented canal wall dentin that was irrigated with water as the final rinse to preserve smear layers, (2) fractured radicular dentin that was devoid of smear layers, and (3) instrumented canal wall dentin that was irrigated with EDTA as the final rinse to remove smear layers. Sealer-bonded specimens were processed for transmission electron microscopy. Results: Unlike RealSeal, RealSeal SE could hardly demineralize the fractured dentin and was unable to etch beyond smear layers into the underlying intact dentin. EDTA dissolved smear layers completely and partially demineralized the intact dentin.. Conclusions: RealSeal SE might not be aggressive enough to achieve optimal dentin bonding to root canal walls in locations that are not reachable by calcium chelating irrigants. Conversely, RealSeal possesses mild etching ability on the fractured and smear layer-covered radicular dentin.