[Study on the sealing capability of a calcium phosphate root canal filling material]

To evaluate the sealing potential of self-designed root canal filling material made of calcium phosphate cement (alpha-TCP/TTCP, CPC), the apices of root canals of six adult dogs were purposely perforated and enlarged up to the No 40 instrument. Then CPC was used to fill the root canal. Mean while either calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) paste or hydroxyapatite (HA) paste was used as control. The animals were killed at 4, 12, 20 weeks postoperatively. The different materials about ways of apical closure, restoration periapocal tissues and adaptability to the dentinal surface were observed by histomorphology and scanning electron microscopic. This study revealed that CPC had excellent biocompatibility and adaptability to the dentinal wall. Its osteoconduction can promote the formation of calcific barriers and healing of periapical tissue. The apex can be closed completely. Compared with the control pastes it has advantages of ease of manipulation and better sealing capability. The results showed that CPC could be used as a root canal filling material for pupless teeth with open apex and destructive periapical tissue.