Properties of Tricalcium Silicate Sealers

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Endodontics

Background:

• Tricalcium silicate-based sealers aim for root canal wall interaction, alkalinity, antimicrobial activity, and setting in wet conditions.
• Evaluating new tricalcium silicate sealers is crucial for endodontic treatment efficacy.
• Compliance with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 6876 (2012) is a key benchmark for dental sealers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize a novel tricalcium silicate-based sealer (Bio MM).
• To investigate the properties of Bio MM, including its composition, setting time, flow, film thickness, radiopacity, pH, and ion leaching.
• To verify Bio MM's compliance with ISO 6876 (2012) standards.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of Bio MM, BioRoot RCS, and AH Plus sealers.
• Material characterization using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.
• Assessment of physical properties (setting time, flow, film thickness, radiopacity) per ISO 6876.
• Evaluation of pH and ion leaching using pH analysis and inductively coupled plasma.

Main Results:

• Bio MM and BioRoot RCS contain tricalcium silicate; Bio MM includes tantalum oxide, calcium carbonate, and a phosphate phase.
• AH Plus comprises calcium tungstate and zirconium oxide.
• BioRoot RCS and Bio MM had lower flow and higher film thickness than ISO 6876 specifications, while AH Plus complied.
• All tested sealers demonstrated adequate radiopacity.

Conclusions:

• Bio MM demonstrated interaction with physiologic solution, indicating potential bioactivity.
• The properties of Bio MM were found to be acceptable and comparable to clinically available sealers.
• Further research may explore the clinical implications of Bio MM's bioactivity and physical properties.