Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the composition, surface, and microstructural characteristics, and bioactivity of two commercially available pulp capping materials known as TheraCal LC and BIO MTA+. The materials were prepared as cylindrical samples and assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and complex thermal analysis for mineralogical characterization, and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive of X-ray (EDX), Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) for microstructural and surface characteristics. The in vitro bioactivity was highlighted by surface mineralization throughout SEM coupled with EDX and FT-IR analysis. XRD analysis performed on both materials showed calcium silicate phases and different radiopacifying compounds. AFM measurements indicated a smoother and more homogenous surface with a lower average roughness for TheraCal LC due to the resin matrix from its composition. FT-IR analysis displayed bands for several compounds in both materials. Both materials exhibited bioactive properties showing surface mineralization after being immersed in solution similar to the human physiological environment. However, the MTA cement showed a better mineralization due to the anhydrous and hydrated phases.
Highlights
Pulp capping is a clinical procedure involving the placement of a biomaterial, which aims to maintain dental pulp vitality by stimulating the formation of tertiary dentin as a hard-tissue barrier protector
TheraCal was applied from the provided syringe in layers of 1 mm and was light cured for 20 s for each increment
The aim of the study was to compare, in terms of composition, bioactivity, surface, and microstructural characteristics, two biomaterials that perform the same clinical function, but are chemically binder systems with different setting reaction mechanisms: TheraCal LC, a light cured tricalcium silicate, and BIO MTA+, a mineral trioxide aggregate cement. Both materials exhibit bioactive properties interacting with the aqueous medium and forming apatite phases, which contribute to surface mineralization
Summary
Pulp capping is a clinical procedure involving the placement of a biomaterial, which aims to maintain dental pulp vitality by stimulating the formation of tertiary dentin as a hard-tissue barrier protector. A number of materials have been developed to maintain pulp vitality as pulp capping agents. Calcium hydroxide has been a gold standard for a long time, but its drawbacks such as lack of adhesion to dentin or other filling materials, lack of proper sealing, and the presence of micro-porosity leading to the formation of tunnel defects that favored bacterial infiltration at the pulp level [1], have led to the production of more intricate materials. It has been recently demonstrated that mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has a superior effect on hard-tissue barrier formation when compared with calcium hydroxide [2].
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