Does the Mixing Method of AH Plus Jet Affect its Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties?

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Endodontics
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• AH Plus Jet sealer is a commonly used root canal filling material.
• The method of mixing can influence the properties and clinical performance of dental sealers.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing endodontic treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of mixing method (Auto Mix Tip vs. manual mixing) on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of AH Plus Jet sealer.
• To compare radiopacity, setting times, flow, solubility, pH, bond strength, porosity, and surface morphology.
• To determine if the mixing technique affects the material's suitability for endodontic applications.

Main Methods:

• AH Plus Jet sealer was mixed using either the Auto Mix Tip or manual technique.
• Properties evaluated included radiopacity, setting times, flow, solubility, and pH according to ISO 6876/2012 and ADA Nº 57/2000.
• Mechanical tests included push-out bond strength, porosity analysis (micro-CT), and surface morphology (SEM).

Main Results:

• Manual mixing resulted in significantly shorter setting times and higher flow compared to Auto Mix.
• Manual mixing demonstrated superior push-out bond strength and lower porosity.
• SEM revealed smoother surfaces with fewer agglomerates for manual mixing, while Auto Mix showed higher porosity.

Conclusions:

• The mixing method significantly influences key physicochemical and mechanical properties of AH Plus Jet sealer.
• Manual mixing appears to yield a material with more favorable mechanical characteristics for endodontic use.
• Clinicians should consider the mixing method's impact on sealer performance.