Working and setting times of root canal sealants determined by the oscillating rheometer

The working and setting times of medium and long setting endodontic root canal sealants can be determined by the oscillating rheometer. Values more closely related to clinical observations are obtained when intermittent action of the rheometer drive is employed (3 oscillations every 5 minutes). The modification to the apparatus needed is described and results of tests with and without the modification are presented. These indicate that the oscillatory movement, although slight, does continue the mixing process yielding reduced values for working and setting times.