Setting Characteristics, Solubility, Bioactivity and Interaction with Dentin of Four Calcium Silicate-Based...

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Research

Background:

• Calcium silicate-based sealers (CSBS) are increasingly used in endodontics.
• Understanding their physical, chemical, and biological properties is crucial for clinical success.
• Variability in material composition can lead to diverse performance characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the setting time, hardness, solubility, bioactivity, and dentin interaction of four CSBS and one epoxy control.
• To assess compliance with ISO 6876:2012 standards for solubility.
• To investigate the chemical interaction between CSBS and dentin.

Main Methods:

• Setting time evaluated on glass and dentin surfaces.
• Shore-D hardness test for mechanical properties.
• Solubility assessed per ISO 6876:2012.
• Bioactivity screened using simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion and ATR-FTIR.
• Dentin interaction analyzed via ATR-FTIR before and after sealer contact.

Main Results:

• CSBS showed variable setting times, with most setting between 6-8 hours on dentin, except CSL.
• Hardness ranking: AH Plus Jet (AHP), BioRoot RCS (BRT) > CeraSeal (CSL), AH Plus Bioceramic (AHB), TotalFill BC (TFL).
• Solubility compliance: AHB, BRT, AHP met ISO standards; CSL and TFL failed.
• All CSBS exhibited bioactivity, with TFL being the most bioactive.
• Significant chemical interaction with dentin observed, including collagen reduction and carbonate increase.

Conclusions:

• The tested CSBS demonstrated significant variability in physical and chemical properties.
• All CSBS exhibited a deproteinating effect on dentin, suggesting a chemical interaction.
• Further research is needed to correlate these properties with long-term clinical outcomes.