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The effect of mixing method on tricalcium silicate-based cement.
J A Duque1, S L Fernandes1, J P Bubola1
1Department of Dentistry, Dental School of Bauru, University of São Paulo (USP), Bauru, SP, Brazil.
This study examined how three different mixing methods—manual, trituration, and ultrasonic—affect the properties of tricalcium silicate-based cements. The researchers tested MTA Angelus and PC-20-Zr cements using a 3:1 powder-to-liquid ratio. They found that ultrasonic activation produced the most uniform particle distribution. Flowability, volume change, and initial setting time were not significantly affected by the mixing method. However, solubility was influenced by the mixing technique. At 168 hours, MTA-m and PC-20-Zr-m showed significant pH differences. Trituration and ultrasonic methods increased calcium ion release compared to manual mixing. The study suggests that mixing method is an important factor in determining cement performance. These findings may help clinicians choose the most effective mixing technique for specific dental applications.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials research within restorative dentistry
- Cement chemistry in biomedical engineering
- Material science in dental applications
Background:
Current dental research has established that tricalcium silicate-based cements are widely used in endodontic and restorative procedures. However, the influence of mixing methods on their physical and chemical properties remains unclear. Prior studies have shown that particle size and homogeneity affect cement performance, but no prior work had resolved how specific mixing techniques influence these properties. The gap motivated an investigation into how manual, trituration, and ultrasonic methods affect cement characteristics. This paper's contribution is to provide empirical data on how these methods influence solubility, pH, and calcium ion release. The study builds on existing knowledge of cement behavior but introduces new insights into mixing technique effects. No prior work had resolved the comparative impact of these methods on cement homogeneity and solubility. This paper addresses that uncertainty by examining multiple properties across different mixing approaches.
Purpose Of The Study:
The aim of this study was to evaluate how three mixing methods affect the physical and chemical properties of tricalcium silicate-based cements. The specific problem addressed is the lack of clarity on how different mixing techniques influence cement performance. The motivation stems from the need to optimize cement preparation for clinical use. The study focused on MTA Angelus and PC-20-Zr cements, using a 3:1 powder-to-liquid ratio. The researchers sought to determine if mixing methods impact flowability, setting times, volume change, solubility, pH, and calcium ion release. The study design aimed to compare manual, trituration, and ultrasonic methods systematically. The goal was to identify which mixing method yields the most favorable properties for clinical applications. This approach allows for a direct comparison of cement behavior under different preparation conditions.
Main Methods:
The study used MTA Angelus and PC-20-Zr cements with a 3:1 powder-to-liquid ratio. Three mixing methods were tested: manual, trituration, and ultrasonic activation. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to assess particle distribution and composition. Flowability was measured according to ANSI/ADA 57/2012 standards. Setting times were analyzed following ASTM C266/08 guidelines. Volume change was evaluated using micro-CT scanning. Solubility was tested per ADA 57/2012. pH and calcium ion release were measured at 3, 24, 72, and 168 hours. Statistical analysis used two-way ANOVA with a significance level of P = 0.05. This approach allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of cement properties across different mixing techniques.
Main Results:
SEM analysis showed ultrasonic activation produced the most homogeneous particle distribution. Flowability, volume change, and initial setting time were not significantly affected by mixing method (P > 0.05). Solubility was significantly influenced by mixing method (P < 0.05). At 168 hours, MTA-m and PC-20-Zr-m showed significant pH differences (P < 0.05). PC-20-Zr-tr had higher calcium ion release than MTA-m at 3 hours (P < 0.05). MTA-tr had higher calcium ion release than PC-20-Zr-m at 168 hours (P < 0.05). Ultrasonic and trituration methods increased calcium ion release and pH compared to manual mixing. The ultrasonic method produced smaller particles for PC-20-Zr cement.
Conclusions:
The authors found that mixing methods significantly affect solubility and calcium ion release but not flowability or setting times. Ultrasonic activation improved particle homogeneity and increased pH and calcium ion release. Trituration also enhanced calcium ion release compared to manual mixing. The study suggests that mixing technique is a critical factor in cement performance. These findings imply that clinicians should consider mixing methods when preparing tricalcium silicate-based cements. The results support the claim that ultrasonic and trituration methods yield higher calcium ion release. The authors propose that particle size and homogeneity influence cement properties. The study highlights the importance of mixing method in determining cement behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
The study found that mixing methods significantly affect solubility and calcium ion release but not flowability or setting times.
The ultrasonic method produced smaller particles for PC-20-Zr cement compared to other methods.
Homogeneous particle distribution improves cement consistency and may enhance clinical performance.
Trituration led to higher calcium ion release than manual mixing for both cements.
Ultrasonic activation increased pH levels compared to manual mixing at 168 hours.
The authors concluded that mixing method is a critical factor influencing cement properties like solubility and ion release.