MTA Plug Research Articles

Apexification treatment on tooth with a history of trauma: A case report

Background: Traumatic dental injuries to the teeth may result in pulpal and periapical disease. Most dental traumas occur in the 7 -10-year-old age group with incomplete apical root development. Apexification is the procedure to close the apex using bioactive material to create an apical plug. MTA can be used as a material of choice to treat open apex. Purpose: To perform an apexification of open apex with MTA apical plug. Case: A 30-year-old female patient with a chief complaint to fix her missing anterior filling and blackened tooth. The tooth had a history of trauma when the patient was 7 years old. One year ago, the tooth had intermittent pain so the tooth was treated and filled by another dentist. Case Management: Access opening is performed and apical gauging is determined. Then, working length was established. Debridement was done with H-file #80. Irrigation sequence with NaOCl 1,5% - Aquadest – EDTA 17% -aquadest. Ca(OH)2 dressing was given and temporary restoration was placed. On the second visit, temporary restoration was removed, followed by a root canal filled with MTA 3 mm from the apex using MAP carrier then confirmed with a radiograph. Conclusion: Trauma that occurs during tooth formation may cause an open apex that is treatable using an MTA plug.

A Comparative Evaluation of Biological Scaffold in Regenerative Endodontic Treatment of Immature Non-Vital Permanent Teeth

Endodontic treatments techniques for immature necrotic teeth include: surgical endodontics, apexification, and singlevisit MTA plug. Regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) is a newer concept that involves restoring the pulp-dentin complex in an infected tooth with an open apex. The aims of this paper were to evaluate RET of immature permanent teeth using biological scaffold and the distinctions between them, with a focus on their ease of manipulation and regenerative potential.

Regenerative endodontic treatment of immature permanent teeth after mechanical instrumentation with XP-Endo Finisher.

The traditional treatment of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp involves creating an apical barrier by using calcium hydroxide or an MTA plug for an extended period of time. A novel therapeutic approach called regenerative endodontic procedures (REP) is used to allow root development to continue.

Calcium hydroxide and niobium pentoxide treatment effects before MTA placement.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide (CH) and niobium pentoxide (NP) pretreatment on pH, dentin microhardness and sealing of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA; Angelus). The pH of CH, NP and CH-NP (3:1) was evaluated in neutral and acidic simulated tissue fluid over 28days. The Vickers microhardness was measured in forty 4mm coronal root slices filled with pretreatment materials stored in medium for 1, 7, 28days. Forty 10mm roots were packed with pretreatment materials, irrigated after 24h, then a 3mm MTA plug was placed. Sealing ability was evaluated after 7days using fluid filtration method. Statistics was performed using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey HSD tests. Addition of NP to CH maintained the alkalinity of CH, increased the microhardness of root dentin and reduced the microleakage. CH-NP can be effectively used as a pretreatment medicament in root canals requiring placement of MTA under acidic conditions.

: The Use of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate in The Treatment of Horizontal Root Fractures: A Case Presentation and Literature Update

Root fracture is a rarely seen traumatic injury in permanent dentition. It has a prevalence of 0.5-7 %. Tooth survival is significantly affected by the type of healing and the location of the root fracture. Additionally, the patient’s age, stage of root development, mobility and dislocation of the coronal fragment, and diastasis between fragments following this kind of injury are among the important factors.
 In this case presentation, the management with MTA plug and 6-year follow-up of a horizontal root fracture was reported. A literature update regarding the use of MTA in the management of horizontal root fractures was also added to discuss its merit.

Use of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate with or without a Collagen Sponge as an Apical Plug in Teeth with Immature Apices.

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the apical plug performed using MTA with or without collagen sponge in immature anterior maxillary teeth with necrotic pulp. The study included apical obturation of 20 upper incisor teeth from 18 patients and outcomes of 12-month follow-up. The teeth were divided into 2 groups with 10 cases in each group according to the apexification protocol (Group 1; apical plug with MTA, Group 2; collagen sponge and apical plug with MTA). The artificial apical barrier, approximately 4-mm-thick, was created with MTA in each group. Based on clinical and radiographic criteria, the outcome was assessed using the periapical index (PAI) by 2 calibrated investigators. In this study, 3 of the 6 teeth (50%) in Group 1 and 5 of the 8 teeth (62.5%) in Group 2 healed at the 12-month follow-up. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups at the post-treatment follow-up times. The use of collagen as an apical matrix prior to the MTA plug can be suggested due to favorable clinical outcomes.

Effect of MTA versus CEM apical plugs on fracture resistance of endodontically treated simulated immature teeth restored with cast metal posts: an in-vitro study

BackgroundEndodontically treated immature teeth which are restored with cast metal posts are of the most susceptible teeth to fracture. An apical plug is usually used as root end filling in order to seal the wide apical foramen. The current study was performed to evaluate the effect of different apical plug materials (MTA and Calcium enriched mixture cement) at varied thicknesses on fracture resistance of teeth restored with cast metal posts.MethodsA total of 40 extracted intact single-rooted human mandibular premolars (removed for orthodontic reasons) were used in the study. The coronal part of each tooth was removed and root canal preparation was performed. A size 4 Gates Glidden drill was used to enlarge the canal and was passed through the apical foramen in order to simulate an immature apex. Samples were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8) according to apical plug (control group: No plug, group MTA5: 5 mm MTA plug, group CEM5: 5 mm CEM plug, group MTA3: 3 mm MTA plug, group CEM3: 3 mm CEM plug). Post-space preparations were performed and cast metal post-and-cores were fabricated and cemented. Fracture resistance was assessed using a universal testing machine. Fracture thresholds were recorded and data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s T3 tests with significance level at P value < 0.05.ResultsThe analysis showed a significant difference of fracture resistance between groups (P value < 0.05). The mean fracture resistance of samples in control group was significantly lower than MTA5 (P value = 0.003). There was no significant difference between other groups (P value > 0.05).ConclusionsWithin the limits of this study, the evidence indicated that placement of a 5 mm MTA apical plug increased the fracture resistance in simulated immature teeth which are restored with cast metal posts, compared to control group (gutta-percha and sealer). While the results were not as promising for a 3 mm MTA apical plug or either 3 or 5 mm CEM apical plug.

CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF A TOOTH WITH INCOMPLETE ROOT DEVELOPMENT AND A LARGE PERIAPICAL LESION - A CASE REPORT

Background: Regenerative endodontic procedures have become increasingly popular in recent years. This paper reports the use of regenerative endodontics in the treatment of a large cyst-like inflammatory periapical lesion in an immature permanent tooth. Case report: A 12-year-old boy with a submucosal abscess in the upper jaw visited the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Previous injury in the area was reported. The X-ray showed a well-defined large osteolytic lesion engaging the apical part of the root. The initial treatment plan included creation of MTA plug and apical surgery. Throughout the treatment course, the patient skipped his appointments and returned 8 months later. The initial working length couldn't be reached, and a hard barrier was present in the middle portion of the root canal. The CBCT showed that the size of the lesion had decreased significantly. Bone-like tissue with a density similar to surrounding spongiosis was observed in the root canal. There was no change in the contour and length of the root walls. Conclusion: Regenerative endodontics could be successfully used in the treatment of some immature permanent with necrotic pulp and large periapical lesions.

A four year journey to success MTA repair

Aim: This case report presents the healing potential of MTA along with its properties of bone formation and apexification. A cystic lesion was successfully resolved with the use of MTA and the follow up proves success. In cases of combined issues of resorption, abscess, cystic lesion and open apices, MTA seems to be the material of choice. Summary: Access was prepared, biomechanical preparation was done and medicament was placed. Thereafter an MTA plug was made and the canals were obturated. MTA discovery has provided the clinicians with a wonder material which can help to manage multi problem related cases efficiently and successfully. Keywords: Apexification, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, Non Surgical Healing, Obtura, Periapical Cyst.

Endodontic management and follow-up of two rooted maxillary lateral incisor with open apex – A case report

Anatomical variations in the root are quite possible, if such teeth are infected, it is challenging to treat them. A patient with two rooted maxillary lateral incisor having open apex with periapical lesion reported to the department. Non-surgical endodontic treatment was initiated under magnification, open apex was sealed with MTA plug and root canal treatment completed. The case was followed up for one year and there was radiographic healing of periapical lesion.

Effect of apexification on occlusal resistance of immature teeth

BackgroundStrain distribution was investigated to assess the occlusal resistance alterations in immature teeth under different occlusal force.MethodsIn vitro apexification models of teeth with a funnel-shaped immature apex were obturated with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA; ProRoot MTA) using different combinations of core materials (10/group): group 1, full-length orthograde obturation of MTA; group 2, a 5-mm MTA apical plug with a composite core; group 3, a 5-mm MTA apical plug and back-filling with warm gutta-percha. Teeth with calcium hydroxide (CH)-medicated canals and untreated teeth with normal apices were tested as controls. The teeth were arranged between two adjacent normal-apex teeth, embedded in a resin mold with a simulated periodontal ligament space. Strain data were recorded from the 3-unit teeth assembly under static compressive occlusal forces (50, 100, 200, and 300 N). Measurements were repeated 20 times for each condition, and the data were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe immature teeth showed altered occlusal force resistance, placing increased strain on adjacent teeth. Teeth with CH-medicated canals showed significantly inferior occlusal resistance under all tested forces (P < 0.05). Application of an MTA plug with deep composite resin core resulted in significantly better stress-bearing capacity especially under forces of 50 and 300 N (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe pattern of occlusal force distribution in immature teeth differed according to the canal obturation materials used for apexification. Immature teeth with an MTA apical plug showed more favorable occlusal force resistance than those with CH-medicated canals.

The Apical Extent of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Apical Barrier Does not Influence the Treatment Outcome in a Nonvital Immature Permanent Anterior Tooth: A Split-Mouth Clinical Study.

Objective:The study aimed to compare treatment outcomes when MTA apical plugs are placed to different apical extents in nonvital immature permanent anterior teeth with an open apex.Methods:Six participants (five male & one female) between the age group of 8-18 years exhibiting bilateral traumatized nonvital immature permanent maxillary anterior teeth (n=12) with non-blunderbuss canal (Cvek’s stage 4) were included. Standardized endodontic procedures were performed, and an inter-appointment calcium hydroxide medicament placed for one week. Based on the apical position of the MTA apical barrier, two study groups were defined. Accordingly, Group I {(n=6) (4mm MTA plug up to the radiographic root end)} and Group II {(n=6) (4 mm MTA plug 2 mm short of the radiographic root-end)}. Teeth were obturated after twenty-four hours with thermoplasticized gutta-percha technique. They were evaluated clinically and radiographically at 12 and 24 months. Radiographs were assessed for periapical healing based on the periapical index (PAI) scores that were dichotomized as score <3 as healed and ≥3 as not healed. The data were compared using Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis and post hoc analysis.Results:At 24 months, all teeth in Group I and II were healed clinically and radiographically. On inter-group comparison, radiographically, all teeth (n=12) exhibited a PAI score <3 and were categorized as healed (P=1.00).Conclusion:The apical extent of MTA plug does not influence the treatment outcome. The clinician can place MTA apical plug either up to or 2 mm short of the radiographic root-end.

Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth and its effect on single visit apexification versus complete obturation using MTA and biodentine.

Aim and Objectives:This study sought to evaluate and compare the fractured resistance of simulated immature teeth and the effect of single visit apexification versus complete obturation using MTA and biodentine.Material and Methodology:Forty-five freshly extracted sound maxillary central incisors with single canal were selected. The apical 5 mm of each sample was then sectioned to simulate Cvek's stage 3 root development access cavity preparation, followed by preparation using peeso reamers. Irrigation was carried out followed by randomization of samples. Obturation was performed using different materials. Fracture resistance was checked under universal testing machine, by recording the ultimate load to fracture in Newtons.Statistical Analysis:Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 Software. One-way analysis of variance followed by pair wise comparison of the groups was performed using Tukey's post-hoc test. The significance level was set at P < 0.05.Results:All the experimental groups showed statistically higher value of fracture resistance than the control groups. Group I (entire canal obturated with MTA) reported highest value of fracture resistance followed by group III (entire canal obturated with biodentine), group II, and group IV.Conclusion:In apexification cases, reinforcing the immature teeth with bioceramic materials such as MTA and biodentine is advantageous.Clinical Significance:Clinically in patients, high success rate of apexification can be achieved with complete MTA obturation as compared to MTA and biodentine apical plug and gutta percha obturation.

Herausforderungen und Lösungsansätze bei der Diagnostik einer Wurzelquerfraktur im Röntgenbild

ObjectivesDiscussion of the importance of X-ray diagnostics in dental traumatology and requirement of multiple X-ray images in different axes for sufficient diagnostics.Clinical procedureThe 11-year-old patient showed up in the emergency unit of the dental clinic in Erlangen in April 2018 around 9 pm, approximately 2 hours after crashing in a slide in a public swimming pool. After detailed examination of the tooth 11 a root-crown-fracture with involvement of the pulp was diagnosed. The fragments of the tooth 11 were partially present but could not be joint together in order to restore the crown. The X-ray taken in occlusal view before emergency treatment did initially not show any abnormalities or fractures. No movement of the crown could be found, the tooth was tender to percussion and did not react to testing of sensibility. Emergency treatment included documentation via photographs and detailed information of the treatment steps: local anaesthesia was followed by a micropulpotomy using calcium hydroxide. Further dentine defects were capped using composite. The patient showed up in the dental clinic the following day complaining about slight pain (regio 11). The tooth was still tender to percussion and not reacting to testing of sensibility. An orthopantomogram for further examination of the temporomandibular joint showed a root fracture in the apical third of tooth 11. This diagnose was confirmed via another small X-ray using a different angle vertical to the tooth axis. The patient and her mother were informed about further treatment options (root canal treatment of the coronal part of the root, MTA plug) and the questionable outcome of tooth 11.Conclusions for practiceIn order to perfectly diagnose or exclude root fractures after dental trauma X-rays using different axes should be taken. Also, a high resolution cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be considered for further examination in complex cases.

Dental avulsion of a maxillary central incisor: a case report

Introduction: The avulsion of a tooth is defined as a complete displacement from its alveolus.[1] Dental avulsion of permanent teeth is considered one of the most severe and aggressive dental injuries. According to dental trauma studies in different populations, it comprises from about 0.5-7.75% of the total of dental injuries, being more frequent between 9 and 10 years of age [2–6]. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success of existing protocols when dealing with dental avulsion. Materials and methods: The informed consent in use was signed at the pediatric service of Clinica Universitária Egas Moniz. A 7-year-old female patient suffered craniofacial trauma with avulsion of the upper right central incisor (URCI) and enamel-dentin coronary fracture of the upper left central incisor (ULCI). The avulsed tooth, with open apex, was transported in milk and reimplanted after 16 hours. At Clinica Universitária Egas Moniz pediatric emergency service, the URCI was carefully cleaned from non-viable tissue. It underwent extra-oral endodontic treatment with an apical MTA plug, filled with thermoplastic gutta-percha and later closed with composite resin. Subsequently, under local anesthesia, the clot was removed from the alveolus and irrigated with saline solution. The tooth was reimplanted into the socket and stabilized with semi-rigid splint to adjacent teeth for 4 weeks. The ULCI was sealed with glass ionomer and later restored with composite resin. The patient was medicated with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid for 8 days, being instructed to a soft diet and to avoid sports practice. Follow-up appointments at 7 days, 4 weeks with splint removal, 3, 6 and 9 months. At 3 months, the ULCI presented with necrosis, so endodontic treatment was performed. Last follow-up was at 18 months. Results: Clinical evaluation after more than one year showed absence of clinical symptoms and radiographic images compatible with periapical health. Discussion and conclusions: The URCI suffered ankylosis with radiographic loss of periodontal ligament space, and slight root resorption. These findings are in agreement with the expected complications in the literature. Similar studies agree that the prognosis of the treatment of this trauma is deeply influenced by on-site actions and care taken shortly after the accident [1–8]. However, the patient was allowed to maintain aesthetic, functional and physiological function, as well as preservation of the alveolar contour. Figure 1. vulsion of the URCI; non-complicated fracture the ULCI. Figure 2. Removal of the cloth and cleaning of the alveolus; pulpal aspect of the URCI before endodontic treatment. Figure 3. Reimplantation of the URCI and splinting. Figure 4. Endodontic treatment of the ULCI. Figure 5. Follow-up at 18 months.

The application of MTA as apical plug for root canal obturation – in vitro study

Summary Introduction Prognosis of endodontically treated tooth is directly correlated to the quality of apical obturation. Modern concept of endodontics in particular way points out the quality of apical filling. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of root canal obturation with MTA apical plug using the method of gas (argon) penetration. Material and Methods Sixty-six freshly extracted single rooted (single canal) teeth were divided into the two experimental (30 teeth) and one control group (6). All canals were instrumented using hand and rotary files in step-back technique and copious irrigation of 1%NaOCl. In the first experimental group teeth were obturated using different sealers: Gutta Flow (Roeko), AH Plus (DeTrey), Acroseal (Septodont) and mono gutta-percha cone (10 canals each). In the second experimental group obturation involved 3 mm of MTA-Angelus apical plug while the remaining canal space was filled with the same three sealers as in the first group. The rate of gas permeability by Leak detector-Edwards LD 416 was measured in all teeth. Results The best seal was found in teeth obturated with Gutta Flow and MTA plug with average diffusion rate of 264.4 sec while the worst quality of obturation was found with Acroseal (178.5 sec-the highest gas permeability). All samples with MTA plug exhibited significantly lower leakage than the samples filled without MTA apical plug. Conclusion Root canals filled with MTA apical plug exhibited statistically significant lower gas permeability in comparison to the ones filled with sealer and guttapercha cones only.

Analysis of clinical studies related to apexification techniques.

The aim of this study was to gather all the clinical studies regarding apexification and artificial apical barrier techniques, point out the possible differences of the clinical procedures and investigate how these are changing over time. An electronic search was carried out in PubMed, covering the period from March 1968 to July 2015. More articles were retrieved by hand-searching or by the reference section of the included articles. Specific criteria were set in order to determine the relevance of each study. One hundred and thirty eight articles were included, 53% of them concerned apexification with MTA plug. Long term apexification studies demonstrated 13% for a single change of the intracanal medicament and 85% for two or more. In 13% of the studies concerning artificial apical plug, the procedure included a single visit. Calcium hydroxide was left in the root canal for 3-12 months in 59% of the long term apexification studies, for 12-24 in 42% and for 24 months or more in 10%. Both techniques can lead to favourable clinical outcomes. There is a tendency for the artificial apical barrier apexification over the years, which usually includes the use of intracanal medicament for a short time.

In-vitro evaluation of apical microleakage of two obturation methods of immature permanent teeth: orthograde apical plug of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and root canal filling combining custom gutta-percha cone with Calcium Silicate-based sealer

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess whether an obturation, combining a custom guttapercha cone with the BIOROOTTM-RCS sealer, displays similar sealing quality to the orthograde apical plugs of MTA CAPS1 in immature teeth with irregular wide apices. Methodology: Thirty-four immature permanent premolars with apical diameter varying between (1-3 mm) were chosen for this study and were divided into two groups. They were imbedded in wet sponge, which simulated the periapex. In the first group; 5 mm orthograde plugs of MTAwere placed using an appropriate plugger. In the second group; a custom gutta-percha cone was fabricated and used for root canal filling with the BIOROOTTM-RCS sealer. The specimens were stored at 37 8C and 100% humidity during five weeks to allow the complete set of the filling materials. The apical leakage was evaluated using a dye penetration test with 50%-weight silver-nitrate. The teeth were then embedded in a transparent resin and sectioned transversally at 1 and 3 mm from the apex. The slices were examined under optical microscope and were given scores from (0) to (4). When scoring a slice was difficult, spectroscopy for energy dispersion using a scanning electron-microscope was used to confirm the score. The results were compared using the Fisher test with p &lt; 0.05. Results: Silver-nitrate was found in both groups in all slices at 1 mm. At 3 mm, the difference of micro-leakage was not significant. Conclusions: The custom gutta-percha cone combined with BIOROOTtm-RCS sealer displays similar leakage resistance to the orthograde MTA plugs.

Evaluation of Microleakage by Gas Permeability and Marginal Adaptation of MTA and Biodentine™ Apical Plugs: In Vitro Study

The endodontic treatment of teeth with incomplete development is always a complex task. Nowadays, biomaterials such as bioceramics offers promising clinical evidence that supports its use. However, the standardization of its use for apexification purpose still needs a deeper understanding of the materials’ behavior. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the marginal adaptability and microleakage by gas permeability of MTA and Biodentine™ apical plugs in an in vitro model. Materials and methods: Twenty-four single rooted human teeth were selected according to previously stablished inclusion criteria. All samples were prepared obtaining standard cylindrical internal canals with a diameter of 1.3 mm. Root canals were gently rinsed using 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and EDTA 17%. The apical 3mm and remaining coronal dental structure were sectioned to obtain 10mm roots. Roots were randomly assigned to 3 different groups as follows: GROUP A: MTA (n=10), GROUP B: Biodentine™ (n=10) and Group C: Control (positive n=1, negative n=3). MTA and Biodentine™ were prepared according to manufacturer’s indications, and apical plugs of 4mm were passively placed in the correspondent teeth. All samples were stored in saline solution for 7 days at 37°C before evaluation. Samples were mounted in cylindrical sample-holders using epoxy resin. Microleakage was evaluated with an automatic permeability detector that calculates nitrogen diffusion between the material-root interphase. After microleakage evaluation, the samples were recovered and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microleakage results were analyzed using Chi-square and adaptation was evaluated with a descriptive analysis. Results: None of the evaluated materials completely avoided the nitrogen microleakage (positive leakage of 10% and 20% of samples for MTA and Biodentine™ respectively); with no statistical significant difference between groups (p=0.527). All apical plugs showed good adaptation under SEM, at 30x, 200x, 1000x and 2500x; with microscopical structures similar to previous reports. Conclusions: Both bioceramics behave similar when used as apical barriers to avoid permeability, with acceptable marginal adaptation. Further in vivo studies are needed to validate these results.

Evaluation of Microleakage by Gas Permeability and Marginal Adaptation of MTA and Biodentine™ Apical Plugs: In Vitro Study

The endodontic treatment of teeth with incomplete development is always a complex task. Nowadays, biomaterials such as bioceramics offers promising clinical evidence that supports its use. However, the standardization of its use for apexification purpose still needs a deeper understanding of the materials’ behavior. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the marginal adaptability and microleakage by gas permeability of MTA and Biodentine™ apical plugs in an in vitro model. Materials and methods: Twenty-four single rooted human teeth were selected according to previously stablished inclusion criteria. All samples were prepared obtaining standard cylindrical internal canals with a diameter of 1.3 mm. Root canals were gently rinsed using 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and EDTA 17%. The apical 3mm and remaining coronal dental structure were sectioned to obtain 10mm roots. Roots were randomly assigned to 3 different groups as follows: GROUP A: MTA (n=10), GROUP B: Biodentine™ (n=10) and Group C: Control (positive n=1, negative n=3). MTA and Biodentine™ were prepared according to manufacturer’s indications, and apical plugs of 4mm were passively placed in the correspondent teeth. All samples were stored in saline solution for 7 days at 37°C before evaluation. Samples were mounted in cylindrical sample-holders using epoxy resin. Microleakage was evaluated with an automatic permeability detector that calculates nitrogen diffusion between the material-root interphase. After microleakage evaluation, the samples were recovered and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microleakage results were analyzed using Chi-square and adaptation was evaluated with a descriptive analysis. Results: None of the evaluated materials completely avoided the nitrogen microleakage (positive leakage of 10% and 20% of samples for MTA and Biodentine™ respectively); with no statistical significant difference between groups (p=0.527). All apical plugs showed good adaptation under SEM, at 30x, 200x, 1000x and 2500x; with microscopical structures similar to previous reports. Conclusions: Both bioceramics behave similar when used as apical barriers to avoid permeability, with acceptable marginal adaptation. Further in vivo studies are needed to validate these results.