Evaluation of sealing ability, pH and flow rate of three calcium hydroxide-based sealers

Three endodontic sealers containing calcium hydroxide (Sealapex, Sealer 26 and Apexit) and a zinc oxide-eugenol cement (Grossman's sealer) were examined for sealing ability, release of hydroxyl ions and flow rate. Dye penetration test was used to assess the sealing ability of the endodontic sealers. The pH test was accomplished to evaluate the release of hydroxyl ions from sealers and the pH readings were done at intervals of 30 min, 60 min and 7 days. In the flow test the sealers were placed between two glass slabs and a weight of 500 g was placed on the top of the glass. The diameters of the formed discs were recorded. The results revealed no statistically significant difference between apical seal provided by the four sealers. All of the calcium hydroxide based sealers alkalinized the surrounding medium. Sealer 26 cement presented significantly superior flow rate when compared with the other cements. These findings indicated that endodontic sealers containing calcium hydroxide presented satisfactory physicochemical properties when compared with a zinc oxide-eugenol sealer commonly used in endodontics.