Development of novel tricalcium silicate-based endodontic cements with sintered radiopacifier phase
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Abstract
Objectives
All implants, bone
and endodontic cements need to be sufficiently radiopaque to be able to
be distinguished from neighbouring anatomical structures
post-operatively. For this purpose, radiopacifying materials are added
to the cements to render them sufficiently radiopaque. Bismuth oxide has
been quite a popular choice of radiopacifier in endodontic materials.
It has been shown to cause dental discoloration. The aim of this study
was to develop, characterize and assess the properties of tricalcium
silicate cement with alternative radiopacifiers, which are either
inter-ground or sintered to the tricalcium silicate cement.
Methods
Custom-made
endodontic cements based on tricalcium silicate and 20 % barium, calcium
or strontium zirconate, which were either inter-ground or sintered at
high temperatures, were produced. The set materials stored for 28 days
in Hank’s balanced salt solution were characterized by scanning electron
microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Assessment of pH, leaching,
interaction with physiological solution, radiopacity, setting time,
compressive strength and material porosity were investigated. Mineral
trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus was used as control.
Results
Addition of
radiopacifying materials improved the radiopacity of the material. The
sintered cements exhibited the formation of calcium zirconate together
with the respective radiopacifier phase. All materials produced calcium
hydroxide on hydration, which interacted with tissue fluids forming
hydroxyapatite on the material surface. The physical properties of the
tricalcium silicate-based cements were comparable to MTA Angelus.
Conclusions
A novel method of
producing radiopaque tricalcium silicate-based cements was demonstrated.
The novel materials exhibited properties, which were either comparable
or else improved over the control.
Clinical relevance
The novel materials
can be used to replace MTA for root-end filling, perforation repair and
other clinical applications where MTA is indicated.
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