Effect of Graphene Incorporation on the Initial Setting Time of MTA and Biodentine: An In Vitro Pilot Study

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine are two biocompatible materials that are commonly utilized in endodontics because they can seal and are bioactive. However, the long setup time of MTA is a problem in the clinic.

There were 40 samples used in an in vitro study. They were split into groups based on the type of material and the amount of graphene in it. There were four groups: MTA (control), Biodentine (control), MTA + 0.1% single-walled graphene, and MTA + 1% single-walled graphene. We used the Gilmore needle test to check the initial setting time and a very accurate balance (LWL Germany, Model LB-210S) to weigh the samples. There were 10 samples in each group.

The MTA control group had the longest setting time (12.1 minutes on average), followed by MTA + 0.1% SW graphene (9.8 minutes), MTA + 1% SW graphene (8.4 minutes), and so on. There was a very substantial difference (P < 0.001) between MTA and the other graphene-modified groups when the data were analyzed statistically. However, there was no big difference between the MTA and graphene-modified groups.

In conclusion, adding 0.1% and 1% graphene to MTA and Biodentine sped up the initial setting time. However, it does not mean anything statistically. These results show that adding more graphene can improve the clinical management of MTA and Biodentine without changing how they build up in the first place.