Evaluating different properties of a premixed bioceramic-based endodontic sealer: An in vitro study

Abstract

Endodontic sealers have the prime functions of sealing off voids between gutta-percha and root canal walls, embedding residual bacteria and filling root canal irregularities, including lateral canals and isthmus. The benchmarks of an ideal sealer are tissue tolerance, no setting shrinkage, suitable working and setting time, adhesiveness, radiopacity, insolubility to oral and tissue fluids, antibacterial properties and ability to create a seal. However, conventional root canal sealers fall short of fulfilling all of these criteria. This in vitro study aimed at testing some physicochemical and biological properties of TotalFill bioceramic-based sealer in comparison to Sealapex calcium hydroxide-based sealer regarding their flowability, pH and calcium ion release levels, antibacterial and cytotoxic effects. The flowability of the sealers was evaluated according to the simple press method dictated in the ISO (6876:2001) specification for root canal sealing materials. Ten specimens of each sealer measuring 0.05ml were pressed under a glass plate and an additional mass for a total weight of 120 gm total then the mean diameters of the compressed sealer disks were measured. TotalFill BC sealer showed a significantly higher mean diameter compared to Sealapex sealer; however, both sealers complied with the ISO specification 6876 which requires a minimum 20mm as an acceptable flow value. The pH and calcium ion release levels were evaluated. Twenty polyethylene tubes were filled with the tested sealers (10 each), immersed in