Porosity analysis of mineral trioxide aggregate Fillapex and BioRoot cements for use in endodontics using microcomputed tomography.

Abstract

Aim:The purpose of this study is to compare the porosity of two sealant cements, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Fillapex® and BioRoot® root canal sealer (RCS). These samples were analyzed using microcomputed tomography.Materials and Methods:Sixteen samples were used in the study that were divided according to the composition of the materials used. MTA Fillapex® (n = 8) and BioRoot® RCS (n = 8) were the samples prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. They were placed in silicone molds of 5 ± 0.1 mm in height and an internal diameter of 5 ± 0.1 mm; 24 h after its preparation, the samples were scanned through a microcomputed tomography, and the porosity results were analyzed statistically by independent t-tests.Results:It is evident that MTA Fillapex® has better porosity properties than BioRoot® RCS. The results of the study quantify a smaller number of pores per surface, a smaller volume in each pore per mm3, and a lower total porosity present in samples of MTA Fillapex® unlike BioRoot® RCS samples which is larger in both.Conclusions:The results obtained in computerized microtomography endodontic biomaterial samples concluded that MTA Fillapex® has a lower porosity than BioRoot® RCS.