Evaluation of a New Biosilicate Sealer (In-Vitro Study)

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical properties, bioactivity and sealing ability of two biosilicate-based root canal sealers.
Methods: Eighty discs were subdivided into 4 groups (n=20) for the evaluation of pH (at 3, 12, 24, 48, 72, 168hours), radiopacity, setting time and solubility according to the ISO standards-6876. Twenty root discs (n=10) were prepared for the bioactivity test, their lumens were enlarged and filled with sealers to be stored in phosphate buffered saline and examined under SEM/EDX after one week. Twenty teeth were prepared for evaluation of sealing ability using the linear dye penetration method under optical microscope.
Results: Both sealers displayed high alkalizing ability and radiopacity; BioRoot RCS being significantly higher than MTA Fillapex; however, the setting times (initial and final) for MTA Fillapex were significantly longer than BioRoot RCs. Both sealers showed higher mean solubility values than that recommended by the ISO standards with no significant difference between them; however both sealers displayed a bioactive potential (interfacial layer thickness with EDX denoting the presence of calcium and phosphate elements); but the difference between both sealers was non-significant. Sealing ability of both sealers displayed good sealing-ability but with no statistical difference found between them.
Conclusions: Both sealers showed good alkalizing ability and radiopacity. The setting time and solubility of both sealers did not conform to the ISO standards 6876/2001. Both sealers exhibited the tendency to deposit bioactive precipitates and an acceptable sealing ability.