Adaptation Of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Research Articles

Comparative evaluation of marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, and geristore as a root end filling material: An in vitro scanning electron microscope study.

The aim of this in vitro study was to measure the quality of marginal adaptation of three root end filling materials by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Thirty extracted human permanent single-rooted single canal maxillary anterior teeth with mature apices were prepared up to 60 K-file and obturated. Teeth were resected 3 mm from the apex using a cross-cut fissure bur at 90° angle to the long axis of the tooth. Root end cavities of 3 mm were prepared in each of the teeth with an ultrasonic tip to receive the root end filling material. Group 1 - mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Group 2 - Biodentine, and Group 3 - Geristore. The samples were mounted in resin blocks for sectioning with a hard-tissue microtome and sectioned apically at 1 mm and 2 mm levels from the apex. They were gold sputtered and viewed under SEM for evaluating the adaptation of the material to the canal walls. The mean value for Group II (Biodentine) was lower than the mean value for Group I (MTA) and Group III (Geristore) at 1 mm and 2 mm. Biodentine showed significantly better marginal adaptation as compared to MTA and Geristore.

A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study on Effect of Blood and Artificial Salivary Contamination on Marginal Adaptation of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, When Used as a Retrograde Filling Material: An In Vitro Study.

ABSTRACTAim and objectiveThe present study was conducted to evaluate the marginal adaptability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as a root-end filling material when manipulated using two different IV fluids intended for pediatric usage; in the presence of blood and salivary contamination.Materials and methodsSixty single-rooted teeth were selected. Conventional endodontic root canal preparation was performed on all specimens followed by root-end resection and retrograde cavity preparation. The roots were randomly divided into two groups (n = 30). In the specimens of group I, fresh blood was used as a contaminant and in group II artificial saliva was used as a contaminant. In both groups, MTA (e-MTA, Kids-e-Dental®) manipulated using either Ringer's lactate IV fluid (n = 15) or Tetraspan IV fluid (n = 15) was used for root-end filling in blood or artificial saliva-coated retrocavities. Furthermore, these roots were placed in beakers pooled with fresh phlebotomized blood or artificial saliva. After incubating for 48 hours, the roots were divided longitudinally to expose the retrofilled cavities and were then sputter-coated with gold-platinum dust. To assess the marginal adaptation of MTA to radicular dentin “maximum gap width” and “gap perimeter” were measured in images obtained from scanning electron microscopy of root specimens. SPSS 21 was employed for statistical analysis at (p < 0.05). Mann–Whitney U test and ANOVA were used for analyzing the data obtained.ResultsThe gap width was more among samples exposed to blood (p < 0.05) than artificial saliva. No significant difference was reported in the gap perimeter when cavities were filled with MTA mixed with either IV fluids (p > 0.05).ConclusionExposure to blood during setting had a negative effect on gap width when retrocavities were filled with MTA using Tetraspan. No effect was seen on the arch perimeter in retrocavities filled with MTA mixed with Ringer's lactate or Tetraspan.Clinical significanceFor avoiding failure, it is critical to select a biocompatible root-end filling material with high sealing ability. Hence, by doing the same, the clinical situation can be simulated.How to cite this articleMody A, Arora R, Chauhan P, et al. A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study on Effect of Blood and Artificial Salivary Contamination on Marginal Adaptation of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, When Used as a Retrograde Filling Material: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(5):674–680.

Scanning electron microscopy analysis of marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate, tricalcium silicate cement, and dental amalgam as a root end filling materials.

The aim of this research was to examine marginal adaptation of three root end filling materials mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine and amalgam. Ninety single-rooted extracted human teeth of the maxillary intercanine sector were used in the study. After the endodontic treatment and retrograde preparation, teeth were divided into three groups, depending on the root-end filling material. Teeth were cut in longitudinal manner. Measurements of the total width of the marginal gap in micrometers were performed using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that MTA and Biodentine have better marginal adaptation compared to amalgam expressed through the mean value of the measured edge crack, however without significant difference (p> .05). Mean value of the measured edge crack in Group 1 (MTA) was 8.17 μm, in Group 2 (Biodentine) 8.53 μm, and in Group 3 (amalgam) 9.13 μm. All tested materials show a satisfactory degree of marginal adaptation, but MTA and Biodentine proved to be superior to amalgam.

Push-out bond strength and marginal adaptation of apical plugs with bioactive endodontic cements in simulated immature teeth.

ObjectivesThis study evaluates the bond strength and marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Repair HP and Biodentine used as apical plugs; MTA was used as reference material for comparison.Materials and MethodsA total of 30 single-rooted teeth with standardized, artificially created open apices were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10 per group), according to the material used to form 6-mm-thick apical plugs: group 1 (MTA Repair HP); group 2 (Biodentine); and group 3 (white MTA). Subsequently, the specimens were transversely sectioned to obtain 2 (cervical and apical) 2.5-mm-thick slices per root. Epoxy resin replicas were observed under a scanning electron microscope to measure the gap size at the material/dentin interface (the largest and smaller gaps were recorded for each replica). The bond strength of the investigated materials to dentin was determined using the push-out test. The variable bond strengths and gap sizes were evaluated independently at the apical and cervical root dentin slices. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistics.ResultsThe comparison between the groups regarding the variables' bond strengths and gap sizes showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05) except for a single difference in the smallest gap at the cervical root dentin slice, which was higher in group 3 than in group 1 (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe bond strength and marginal adaptation to root canal walls of MTA HP and Biodentine cement were comparable to white MTA.

Evaluation of Marginal Adaptation of MTA, Biodentine, and MTA Plus as Root-End Filling Materials—An SEM Study

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, and MTA Plus when used as root-end restorative materials using scanning electron microscope. Materials and Methods Forty-five extracted teeth with one root canal were cleaned and sectioned at cementoenamel junction, maintaining a standardized length of 15 mm. Chemomechanical preparation and obturation was done in all the samples, and access was restored with glass ionomer cement (GIC). Root-end cavities were prepared in all the samples after 3-mm apical root end was resected. Forty-five samples were divided into three groups with 15 samples each. Root apices were filled with ProRoot MTA in group I, Biodentine in group II, and MTA Plus in group III. The sample teeth were sectioned for examination of gaps at the margins using scanning electron microscope. The data collected were put to statistical analysis by one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) and post hoc tests. Results The minimum margin gap score of 2.44 μm was observed in group II (Biodentine), whereas maximum gap score of 5.63 μm was observed in group I (ProRoot MTA); 4.92 μm mean margin gap score was observed in group III (MTA Plus). Conclusion Biodentine showed least margin gap at the interface, so it can be considered as the best root-end filling material, whereas, MTA Plus can be considered as a substitute to ProRoot MTA as a root-end filling material.

Enhanced bioactivity and interfacial marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate and Biodentine materials modified by eggshell powder at root dentine

Objectives: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as silicate-based cement material may provide better bioactivity than Biodentine material which used as a replacement to MTA in dental practice in different endodontic uses. Also the modifying MTA and Biodentine by adding eggshell powder (ESP) may improve their bioactivity and promote the formation of a reliable sealing through formation a thick and continuous interfacial layer at root dentine/material interface. Aim: This study was aimed to investigate marginal adaptability, the presence or absence of interfacial layer, and enhanced bioactivity's of MTA and Biodentine modified by addition of ESP, at the root dentine/material interface. Materials and methods: Thirteen root dentine segments of about 2 mm thickness were obtained from extracted human teeth and mechanically prepared by endodontic files to enlarge their canals. The specimens were then divided into six groups (n=5), each group were filled with unmodified MTA and Biodentine and modified with 0.5 and 1% ESP. The specimens were immersed in Hank's Balanced Salt Solution simulating body fluid for 30 days. The specimens were then, examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy disperse x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to examine the presence or absence of interfacial layer and Ca/P ratio. Results: The interfacial layer can be seen in MTA and Biodentine groups that modified with 1% ESP. Also, MTA showed better marginal adaptability than Biodentine groups. There was a statistically significant difference in the Ca/P ratio among the all investigated groups. Conclusion: Addition of ESP to MTA and Biodentine can improve the mineral deposition at root dentine/material interface and also improve their sealing ability through the formation of interfacial layer.

Adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate to dentine walls compared with other root-end filling materials: A systematic review.

This systematic review analysed the literature comparing marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with other filling materials in root-end cavities. The PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane library databases were searched using appropriate keywords related to root-end filling materials and adaptation. Of 38 articles assessed, 20 met the inclusion criteria. No in vivo study was identified. In 10 studies, MTA gave the best marginal adaptation results, but no significant differences were found between MTA and any of the tested filling materials in seven studies. There was great variability in the study designs including analysed surface, unit of gap measurement and magnification amount during analysis. On the basis of available evidence, MTA presented good marginal adaptation to dentine walls. This review identified the need for the development of standardised methods to evaluate the adaptation property of root-end filling materials in ex vivo studies as well as in clinical studies evaluating outcome.

Interaction of backfilling techniques and MTA plugs with additives: Fracture strength and adaptation analyses.

The aims were to evaluate the effects of different additives on the adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plugs before and after different backfilling techniques and analyze the interference of filling procedures on the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth. The apical parts of 60 teeth were filled with MTA mixed with distilled water (DW), propylene glycol (PG) or calcium chloride (CaCl2) and backfilled with cold lateral condensation (CLC) or warm vertical compaction (WVC). The specimens were subjected to adaptation analysis and fracture testing. CaCl2 addition resulted in poor marginal adaptation, while PG addition significantly decreased the fracture values (p<0.05). WVC technique negatively affected the marginal adaptation of MTA-CaCl2 plugs and decreased the fracture values of teeth with MTA-PG plugs (p<0.05). Mixing MTA with DW can be recommended as apical plug when the remaining root canal space is going to be filled with either CLC or WVC techniques.

Comparison of Marginal Adaptation of MTA and CEM Cement Apical Plugs in Three Different Media.

Introduction:The aim of this study was to compare the marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium-enriched mixture(CEM) cement apical plugs in open apex teeth in dry, blood- and saliva-contaminated canals. Methods and Materials: A total of 120 human extracted single-rooted teeth were used. The teeth were decoronated and canals were cleaned and shaped up to #80 K-Files. After simulating open apex condition, samples were randomly divided into two groups (Group 1: MTA plug and group 2 CEM cement plug) and each group was then further divided into 3 subgroups (dry canal, blood- and saliva-contaminated canals). MTA and CEM cement apical plugs were placed into the canal. After full setting of apical plug, immediate marginal adaptation of the samples was assessed by electronic microscope. The data were analyzed using the two-way analysis of variance. Results:There was no statistically difference between the average marginal gap in MTA and CEM cement groups in three different conditions. The average gap in dry canal was significantly lower than canal contaminated with blood and saliva. Conclusion: It seems that marginal adaptations of MTA and CEM apical plug was not significantly different in various conditions and the two materials can be used successfully in this method.

Influence of operating microscope in the sealing of cervical perforations.

Context:Accidental root canal perforations are among the main complications of endodontic treatment.Aim:This study evaluated the influence of operating microscope (OM) in the marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Angelus®) and glass ionomer (Vitremer) inserted into cervical perforations.Materials and Methods:Perforations were made in the cervical third of the buccal wall of the root canal in mandibular incisors. Next, the teeth were divided into four groups (N = 10): MG — MTA without OM; VG — Vitremer without OM; MOMG — MTA with OM; VOMG — Vitremer with OM. The perforations were sealed according to the group and the teeth were prepared for analysis by confocal laser scanning microscope. Images of perforation region (1,024×) were made and the gap presented by the materials was measured using the Image J program. LEXT OLS4100 three dimensional (3D) measuring laser microscope measured the volumetric misfit. Data of gap were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's tests compared the volumetric misfits.Results:The results showed lower volume and gap in the interface dentin/material in VOMG compared to the other groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion:The use of OM improved the quality of cervical perforations sealed with Vitremer, being indicated in clinical situations of iatrogenic cervical perforations.

Marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to root dentin surface with orthograde/retrograde application techniques: A microcomputed tomographic analysis.

Background:Achieving a good apical seal for root canals is known to be associated with good mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) adaptation to dentin.Aims:This study aims to compare the marginal adaptation of MTA with root dentin between orthograde and retrograde application techniques using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) analysis.Settings and Design:Fifty-two single-rooted human teeth were divided into four equal groups: (Group 1) Retrograde MTA (RMTA), (Group 2) Orthograde MTA (OMTA), (Group 3) Etched RMTA (ERMTA), and (Group 4) Etched OMTA (EOMTA).Materials and Methods:For Group 1, 3-mm retrograde cavities were prepared and filled with MTA. For Group 2, the apical 6 mm of the canals were filled with MTA and sealed with sealer cement and warm gutta-percha. In Groups 3 and 4, canals were treated the same as Groups 1 and 2, respectively, except that before placing the MTA, canals were irrigated with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). After 48 hours, all the teeth were analyzed using a micro-CT scanner.Statistical Analysis:Mean dentin-MTA contact and the mean length and width of each gap was analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical significance was set at an α level of 5%.Results:No significant difference in gap volumes was observed in the dentin-MTA adaptation in both orthograde and retrograde application techniques. However, significant difference in the gap volumes was observed between RMTA and ERMTA (P = 0.045). Etching significantly improved the MTA-Dentin adaptation (P < 0.05). The type of application technique did not significantly improve the dentin-MTA adaptation, instead with the use of 17% EDTA, a significant improvement could be achieved.Conclusion:Within the limitations of the present study, it concludes that MTA adaptation to dentin tooth structure is not significantly different between an orthograde and retrograde approach. However, the use of EDTA significantly improved the MTA-Dentin adaptation.

Comparison of marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate, glass ionomer cement and intermediate restorative material as root-end filling materials, using scanning electron microscope: An in vitro study.

Aim:The present study compares the marginal adaption of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) and Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM) as root-end filling materials in extracted human teeth using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).Materials and Methods:Thirty single rooted human teeth were obturated with Gutta-percha after cleaning and shaping. Apical 3 mm of roots were resected and retrofilled with MTA, GIC and IRM. One millimeter transverse section of the retrofilled area was used to study the marginal adaptation of the restorative material with the dentin. Mounted specimens were examined using SEM at approximately 15 Kv and 10-6 Torr under high vacuum condition. At 2000 X magnification, the gap size at the material-tooth interface was recorded at 2 points in microns.Statistical Analysis:One way ANOVA Analysis of the data from the experimental group was carried out with gap size as the dependent variable, and material as independent variable.Results:The lowest mean value of gap size was recorded in MTA group (0.722 ± 0.438 μm) and the largest mean gap in GIC group (1.778 ± 0.697 μm).Conclusion:MTA showed least gap size when compared to IRM and GIC suggesting a better marginal adaptation.

Effect of acid etching on marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate to apical dentin: microcomputed tomography and scanning electron microscopy analysis

The present investigation assessed the effect of acid etching on marginal adaptation of white- and gray-colored mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to apical dentin using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Sixty-four extracted single-rooted human maxillary teeth were used. Following root-end resection and apical preparation, the teeth were equally divided into four groups according to the following root end filling materials: (i) white-colored MTA (WMTA), (ii) etched WMTA (EWMTA), (iii) gray-colored MTA (GMTA) and (iv) etched GMTA (EGMTA). After 48 h, the interface between root-end filling materials and the dentinal walls was assessed using micro-CT and SEM. Data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests. Micro-CT analysis revealed gap volumes between the apical cavity dentin walls and EGMTA, GMTA, EWMTA and WMTA of (0.007 1±0.004) mm3, (0.053±0.002) mm3, (0.003 6±0.001) mm3 and (0.005 9±0.002) mm3 respectively. SEM analysis revealed gap sizes for EGMTA, WMTA, EWMTA and GMTA to be (492.3±13.8) µm, (594.5±17.12) µm, (543.1±15.33) µm and (910.7±26.2) µm respectively. A significant difference in gap size between root end preparations filled with GMTA and EGMTA was found (P<0.05). No significance difference in gap size between WMTA and EWMTA were found in either SEM or micro-CT analysis. In conclusion, pre-etching of apical dentin can provide a better seal for GMTA but not for WMTA.

Influence of smear layer removal and application mode of MTA on the marginal adaptation in immature teeth: a SEM analysis

This study was an ex vivo evaluation of the marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate as an apical barrier using teeth with an open apex and scanning electron microscopy. Eighteen single-rooted human teeth were used. An artificial open apex was created using Gates Glidden drills #6-1 in a crown-down manner until the #1 bur passed through the foramen. A 1.36-mm divergent open apex was created at the foramen by retrograde apical transportation using a #40 Profile 0.6 taper instrument inserted to the length of the cutting blade. The teeth were divided into four groups (n=4), and two teeth served as controls. The GI=mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was placed as a 5-mm-thick apical barrier without removal of the smear layer; GII=MTA was placed with indirect ultrasonic activation; GIII=apical plug was placed after removal of the smear layer without indirect ultrasonic activation; and GIV = MTA was placed with indirect ultrasonic activation, but the smear layer had been previously removed. The root apices were visualized with SEM (1000×), and 12 predetermined material/dentine interface points were measured (gaps). One-way anova and Bonferroni's post hoc tests were used to compare the linear measurements of the gaps between the groups. GIV had the lowest gap when compared with other groups, and no statistical differences were found among GI, GII, and GIII. The technique of MTA placement using passive ultrasonic vibration in association with smear layer removal improved the marginal adaptation of the material.

Comparative investigation of marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Portland cement as root-end filling materials: A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study

Apical seal is a major cause of surgical endodontic failures, so the use of suitable substance as root-end filling material that prevents egress of potential contaminants into periapical tissue is very important. The purpose of this study was to compare the marginal adaptation of four root-end filling materials [white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA), gray mineral trioxide aggregate (GMTA), white Portland cement (WPC) and gray Portland cement (GPC)] by SEM study. 40 human single-rooted teeth were instrumented, and obturated with gutta-percha. After resecting the root-end, apical cavity preparation were done. The teeth were randomly divided into 4experimental groups (each containing 10 teeth). Root–end cavities in each group were filled with experimental materials. After 24 h, SEM examination was done to determine the distance between the root-end filling materials and the dentin of cavity walls. Statistical analysis of data showed that GMTA had significantly better adaptation between the experimental materials. GMTA and GPC have the highest and lowest degree of marginal adaptation respectively. The marginal adaptation in WMTA was better than WPC; however, there was statistically significant difference just between GMTA and GPC groups (p<0.001). Key words: Marginal adaptation, root-end filling material, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Portland cement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Comparative investigation of marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Portland cement as root-end filling materials: A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study

Comparative investigation of marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Portland cement as root-end filling materials: A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study

Quantitative 3D profilometry and SEM analysis of the adaptation of root-end filling materials placed under an optical microscope

To evaluate by 3D profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Sealer 26 placed in root-end cavities with direct vision or under an optical microscope. The root ends of 52 root filled canine teeth were filled with MTA or Sealer 26 under direct vision or optical microscope (n=13). In each group, eight specimens were analysed by profilometry for measurement of the area and depth of gaps. In the other five specimens, gap area was measured using SEM to verify marginal adaptation and surface characteristic. Data were analysed by parametric (anova and Tukey) and non-parametric (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn) tests. The assessment of the adaptation of both materials to dentine was not influenced by the mode of visualization, which was confirmed by both profilometry and SEM observations. The voids measured with profilometry for Sealer 26 under direct vision were significantly wider and deeper than those for MTA under direct vision (P<0.05). In SEM, significantly larger gap areas were observed with Sealer 26 (P<0.05). Root-end cavities filled with MTA had smaller gaps and better marginal adaptation than Sealer 26.

Marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) compared with amalgam as a root-end filling material: a low-vacuum (LV) versus high-vacuum (HV) SEM study.

To compare the marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or amalgam root-end fillings in extracted teeth under low-vacuum (LV) versus high-vacuum (HV) scanning electron microscope (SEM) viewing conditions. Root-end fillings were placed in 20 extracted single-rooted maxillary teeth. Ten root ends were filled with MTA and the other 10 root ends were filled with amalgam. Two 1 mm thick transverse sections of each root-end filling were cut 0.50 mm (top) and 1.50 mm (bottom) from the apex. Gap size was recorded at eight fixed points along the dentine-filling material interface on each section when uncoated wet (LV wet (LVW)) and dry under LV (0.3 Torr) in a JEOL JSM-5800 SEM and backscatter emission (LV dry uncoated (LVDU)). The sections were then air-dried, gold-coated and gap size was recorded once again at the fixed points under HV (10(-6) Torr; HV dry coated (HVDC)). Specimen cracking, and the size and extent of the crack were noted. Gap sizes at fixed points were smallest under LVW and largest under HVDC SEM conditions. Gaps were smallest in MTA root-end fillings. A General Linear Models Analysis, with gap size as the dependent variable, showed significant effects for extent of crack in dentine, material and viewing condition (P = 0.0001). This study showed that MTA produced a superior marginal adaptation to amalgam, and that LVW conditions showed the lowest gap size. Gap size was influenced by the method of SEM viewing. If only HV SEM viewing conditions are used for MTA and amalgam root-end fillings, a correction factor of 3.5 and 2.2, respectively, may be used to enable relative comparisons of gap size to LVW conditions.

Placement of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Using Two Different Techniques

The purpose of this study was to determine if the adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) would differ when placed into simulated root canals of varying length when using two different placement and condensation methods. Hand condensation was compared to ultrasonic condensation. Eighty polyethylene tubes were divided into four groups of 20 tubes each. The tubes in the four groups were prepared to receive 3-, 5-, 7-, and 10-mm lengths of MTA respectively. Each group of 20 tubes was subdivided; 10 samples of each length had MTA placed and condensed by the hand method and the other 10 by the ultrasonic method. After condensation the samples were evaluated with a light microscope and radiographs for the degree of adaptation of the MTA to the tube walls and for the presence of voids within the MTA material itself. The results demonstrated an 80% agreement for findings between the light microscopy and radiographic evaluation. Hand condensation resulted in better adaptation to the tube walls and less voids than the ultrasonic method. There was no significant difference in the results for any of the four lengths of MTA placed by the hand method (p > 0.9). At this time hand condensation should be considered the preferred method for placement of MTA.

Comparative investigation of marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate and other commonly used root-end filling materials

This study investigated the marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as a root-end filling material, compared with commonly used root-end filling materials by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eighty-eight single-rooted freshly extracted human teeth were cleaned, shaped, and obturated with gutta-percha and root canal sealer. Following root-end resection and cavity preparation, the root-end cavities were filled with amalgam, Super-EBA, Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM), or MTA. Using a slow-speed diamond saw, 40 roots were longitudinally sectioned into two halves. Resin replicas of resected root ends of the remaining nonsectioned roots were also prepared. After mounting longitudinal sections of roots and resin replicas of resected roots on aluminum stubs, the distance between the test root-end filling materials and surrounding dentin was measured at four points under SEM. Examination of the original samples showed numerous artifacts in the longitudinal sections of the specimens. In contrast, the resin replicas of resected and filled root ends had no artifacts. Statistical analysis of data comparing gap sizes between the root-end filling materials and their surrounding dentin shows that MTA had better adaptation compared with amalgam, Super-EBA, and IRM.