Physical Properties, Antimicrobial Activity and In Vivo Tissue Response to Apexit Plus

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Microbiology

Background:

• Root canal sealers are crucial for endodontic treatment success.
• Evaluating new materials like Apexit Plus against established ones like Sealapex is essential.
• Understanding material properties and biological responses informs clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare Apexit Plus and Sealapex physical properties, antimicrobial efficacy, and tissue reactions.
• To assess the biocompatibility and bioactivity of Apexit Plus in vivo.
• To provide data for informed selection of root canal sealers.

Main Methods:

• Physical properties (flow, radiopacity, setting time, solubility) were tested.
• Antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis was evaluated.
• Subcutaneous implantation in rats assessed tissue reaction (inflammation, collagen, ALP) over 60 days.

Main Results:

• Apexit Plus had higher flow, lower solubility, and shorter setting times than Sealapex.
• Apexit Plus exhibited significantly greater antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis.
• Both materials were biocompatible, with transient inflammation for Apexit Plus at 7 days, and showed collagen deposition and ALP activity.

Conclusions:

• Apexit Plus offers enhanced antimicrobial effectiveness and improved physical properties over Sealapex, excluding radiopacity.
• Apexit Plus demonstrates good biocompatibility and potential bioactivity in subcutaneous tissue.
• These findings support Apexit Plus as a viable alternative root canal sealer.