Bioactive materials improve some physical properties of a MTA-like cement

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) exhibits a long setting time, potentially leading to increased solubility and microleakage, compromising treatment success.
• Bioactive glass incorporation has shown promise in reducing MTA setting times.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of adding varying percentages of wollastonite and bioactive glass on the compressive strength, setting time, solubility, and radiopacity of an MTA-like experimental cement.
• To compare the properties of these experimental cements against a control (White MTA Angelus®) and a base experimental cement (ExpC).

Main Methods:

• An experimental MTA-like cement (ExpC) was formulated using white Portland cement and bismuth oxide.
• Wollastonite and bioactive glass were added to ExpC at 10%, 20%, and 30% by weight.
• Compressive strength, setting time, solubility, and radiopacity were assessed according to ADA 30 and ISO 6876 standards.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze surface morphology after solubility testing.

Main Results:

• Increasing wollastonite content led to reductions in compressive strength, setting time, solubility, and radiopacity.
• Bioactive glass addition increased solubility.
• The surfaces of White MTA Angelus® and ExpC were smoother compared to the wollastonite and bioactive glass modified groups.
• Both wollastonite and bioactive glass additions improved physical properties, notably reducing setting time while maintaining acceptable solubility.

Conclusions:

• The addition of wollastonite and bioactive glass positively influences the physical properties of MTA-like experimental cements.
• Reduced setting times and favorable solubility percentages observed with these additions present significant clinical advantages.