Filling ability of three bioceramic root-end filling materials: A micro-computed tomography analysis

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Calcium-silicate based materials are widely used in endodontic surgery.
• Evaluating the sealing ability and porosity of these materials is crucial for treatment success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the gap volume, void volume, and total porosity of three calcium-silicate materials used in apicoectomy.
• To assess the performance of EndoSequence BC Putty (BC), ProRoot MTA (MTA), and Biodentine (BIO) using Micro-CT analysis.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-three human mandibular molars underwent apicoectomy with apical 3mm resection and preparation.
• Root-end cavities were filled with BC, MTA, or BIO.
• Samples were analyzed using Micro-CT to quantify gap percentage (VG%), void percentage (VV%), and porosity percentage (Po%).

Main Results:

• All tested materials exhibited gaps and voids.
• No statistically significant differences were found in gap volume (VG%) or void volume (VV%) among BC, MTA, and BIO.
• Biodentine (BIO) demonstrated the lowest porosity percentage (Po%), while EndoSequence BC Putty (BC) showed the highest, with statistically significant differences.

Conclusions:

• Biodentine may offer superior sealing properties due to lower porosity compared to MTA and BC Putty.
• Micro-CT analysis is an effective tool for evaluating the marginal adaptation and porosity of root-end filling materials.
• Further research is needed to correlate porosity with long-term clinical outcomes in apicoectomy procedures.