The use of confocal laser scanning microscopy in endodontic research: sealer/dentin interfaces.

Confocal laser scanning microscopy can be used in laboratory research to obtain a series of optical XY images through the thickness of the dentin of endodontically treated teeth. With this information the study of the resin/dentin interface of root canal fillings is possible. In comparison to SEM, confocal microscopy has the advantage of providing accurate information and a simple method to determine the adaptation and distribution of sealers inside dentinal tubules in non!dehydrated samples through the use of Rhodamine!marked sealers. 3D reconstructions can also be generated with the digital data. In this work, some examples related to the sealer/dentin interface of different endodontic materials that includes epoxy and methacrylate resin sealers are given.