Evaluation of Osteoconductivity and Bioactivity of a Bioceramic Sealer

Abstract

Bioceramic materials are increasingly used in current endodontic applications. They are known for their dimensional stability, insolubility in tissue fluids, and their high hydrophilicity. The objective of this study was to investigate the osteoconductivity and bioactivity of a bioceramic sealer Total Fill BC, in comparison with MTA based sealer MTA Fillapex. The in vivo part of this study aimed to evaluate the osteoconductivity and histological tissue reaction to both tested materials using the canine animal model. Eighty roots in forty mature mandibular premolars of eight dogs were filled either with a bioceramic sealer Total Fill BC, or with MTA Fillapex, or left without obturation to serve as a positive control group. Obtained samples were evaluated for inflammatory tissue reaction using Hematoxylin and Eosin stain, while for evidence of new bone formation Goldner’s trichrome stain was used. Image analysis was further used to analyze the outcome of these examinations to assess the effect of the compared filling material on surrounding tissue. Image analysis showed that, the Total Fill BC sealer has significantly lowest inflammatory reaction and inflammatory cell count at both time intervals, one and four months compared to MTA Fillapex, and the control groups. While in Goldner’s Trichrome stained samples, the highest percentage of osteoid tissue formation was observed with the application of Total Fill BC. This effect was statistically significant at both one and four months, compared to the MTA Fillapex and control groups.