Premixed calcium silicate cement for endodontic applications: injectability, setting time and radiopacity

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Endodontics
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Calcium silicate-based materials, known as MTA, are widely used in endodontic treatments.
• Current MTA formulations present handling challenges, including poor injectability and cohesion.
• Glycerol premixing offers a potential solution to improve MTA handling properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of key cement variables on the properties of premixed calcium silicate cements.
• To optimize the liquid-to-powder ratio for MTA cements with varying radiopacifier content.
• To evaluate the effect of glycerol versus water as a mixing vehicle on MTA radiopacity.

Main Methods:

• Screening of liquid-to-powder ratio, radiopacifier, and calcium sulfate effects using a statistical model.
• Optimization of liquid-to-powder ratio for cements with three distinct radiopacifier concentrations.
• Comparative analysis of radiopacity using glycerol versus water for cement mixing.

Main Results:

• Setting time increased with higher radiopacifier content at a fixed liquid-to-powder ratio.
• The increased setting time is attributed to the higher density of radiopacifiers, affecting volumetric ratios.
• Using glycerol instead of water resulted in reduced cement radiopacity.

Conclusions:

• Premixed calcium silicate cements can be formulated with acceptable handling and setting properties for endodontics.
• Careful control of radiopacifier content and liquid-to-powder ratio is crucial for optimizing performance.
• Glycerol premixing affects radiopacity, necessitating further consideration for diagnostic imaging compatibility.