Comparitive Evaluation of pH and Calcium Ion Release in Newer Calcium Silicate Based Root Canal Sealers

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of root canal treatment is to provide three-dimensional obturation of the root canalsystem to prevent the entry of bacteria and fluid. Recent Calcium Silicate Sealers (CSS) have been claimedto be excellent sealers with alkaline pH, low solubility and providing good sealing owing to their settingexpansion. To date, there are not enough publications that prove their physiochemical behavior.Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare both pH and calcium ion release in newer calciumsilicate-based root canal sealers.Material and Method: We compared 3 commonly used calcium silicate sealers which were categorisedas Group 1 (n = 5) control group, Group 2 (n = 10) sealapex, Group 3 (n = 10) mineral trioxide aggregate(MTA) fillapex, and Group 4 (n = 10) White MTA. The polyethylene tubes were prepared and materials werefilled according to the groups made. The tubes were packed and flask was closed and stored at a constanttemperature of 37°C during all the evaluation period at different intervals of 24 h, 7 days and 1 month. pH andcalcium ion released was measured using pH meter and atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively.Results: At 24 h, White MTA showed the highest pH and highest calcium (Ca++) release. MTA fillapexmaintained an alkaline ph even after 1 month of the study. MTA Fillapex showed the highest Ca++ releaseeven after 30 days that gradually increased aswell.Conclusion: MTA Fillapex proves to show better alkalinizing ability and Ca++ release of as compared toWhite MTA and (Sealapex) with increase in time intervals can be explained by greater solubility of MTAFillapex with time as compared to the other two materials.