Comparison of calcium and hydroxyl ion release ability and in vivo apatite-forming ability of three bioceramic-containing root canal sealers.

Abstract

Bioceramic-containing root canal sealers promote periapical healing via Ca2+ and OH- release and apatite formation on the surface. This study aimed to compare Ca2+ and OH- release and in vivo apatite formation of three bioceramic-containing root canal sealers: EndoSequence BC sealer (Endo-BC), MTA Fillapex (MTA-F), and Nishika Canal Sealer BG (N-BG). Polytetrafluoroethylene tubes filled with sealers were immersed in distilled water for 6 and 12h and for 1, 7, 14, and 28days to measure Ca2+ and OH- release. Additionally, tubes filled with sealers were implanted in the backs of rats for 28days, and in vivo apatite formation was analyzed using an electron probe microanalyzer. Endo-BC released significantly more Ca2+ than the other sealers at 6 and 12h and 1day. Ca2+ release was significantly lower from N-BG than from Endo-BC and MTA-F at 14 and 28days. OH- release was significantly higher from Endo-BC than from the other sealers throughout the experiment, except at 1day. OH- release was lower from N-BG than from MTA-F at 6h and 7days. Only Endo-BC implants exhibited apatite-like calcium-, phosphorus-, oxygen-, and carbon-rich spherulites and apatite layer-like calcium- and phosphorus-rich, but radiopaque element-free, surface regions. Ca2+ and OH- release is ranked as follows: Endo-BC > MTA-F > N-BG. Only Endo-BC demonstrated in vivo apatite formation. Endo-BC could promote faster periapical healing than MTA-F and N-BG.