Examining the Physicochemical Composition of Three Bioceramic Putties for Endodontic Use

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Chemistry
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Bioceramic materials are increasingly used in endodontics.
• Comparative analyses of newly developed bioceramic putties are lacking.
• Understanding material properties is crucial for clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comparative analysis of three bioceramic putties: EndoSequence BC Root Repair Material Fast Set Putty (ESRRM-FS), BIO-C Repair (BCR), and Cera Putty (CP).
• To examine their chemical composition, thermodynamic profile, and microscopic surface features.
• To provide data for informed selection of bioceramic materials.

Main Methods:

• Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for thermal properties.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology.
• Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for elemental composition analysis.

Main Results:

• ESRRM-FS exhibited a homogenous structure and the highest calcium content (11.3%), with no aluminum detected.
• BCR contained minimal aluminum (2.06%) and a lower calcium percentage compared to ESRRM-FS.
• CP was primarily composed of aluminum (49.35%), carbon, and oxygen, lacking silicon.
• DSC indicated polyethene glycol (PEG) as the vehicle for BCR and CP, while ESRRM-FS's vehicle remained unidentified.

Conclusions:

• ESRRM-FS is a biphasic material with superior calcium content and a homogenous structure.
• BCR is Portland cement-derived with less calcium and minimal aluminum.
• CP is a monocalcium aluminate cement, distinct in its high aluminum and carbon content.