Search Results (12)

Background: Root canal sealers remain in long-term contact with dental tissues, raising concerns about their potential adverse effects. Methods: This study evaluates the physicochemical properties and ion-release profiles of three dental materials: zinc oxide/eugenol-based sealer, zinc phosphate cement (luting agent), and glass-ionomer cement (restorative material) under acidic (pH 4) and neutral (pH 7) conditions over 24 h and 30 days to determine their behavior and bioactivity in vitro. The materials were evaluated for their setting time, consistency, film thickness, solubility, and ion release using atomic emission spectrometry. The influence of pH and exposure time on ion release was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Results: All tested materials met the ISO standards for their respective categories. The zinc oxide/eugenol and zinc phosphate cements released increased levels of zinc in acidic environments (pH 4), suggesting potential antimicrobial properties. The glass-ionomer cement exhibited higher silicon and strontium release under a neutral pH (pH 7), indicating potential remineralization effects. Silver from the zinc oxide/eugenol material was below the detection limit of the applied method, suggesting minimal ion release under the tested conditions. Maximum zinc release from root canal sealer occurred after 30 days at pH 4 (1.39 ± 0.26 mg), while the highest silicon release from glass-ionomer cement was observed at pH 7 after 30 days (1.03 ± 0.21 mg). Conclusions: Zinc oxide/eugenol materials exhibited increased zinc release under acidic conditions. In contrast, the restorative and luting materials demonstrated distinct ion-release patterns, aligning with their respective intended applications rather than endodontic purposes. Full article

This study assessed the biocompatibility and chemical properties of two bioceramic root canal sealers, EndoSequence BC Sealer (EBC) and Nishika Canal Sealer BG (NBG), using a sealer extrusion model. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were used. The mesial root canals of the upper first molars were pulpectomized and overfilled with EBC, NBG, or, as reference, epoxy resin-based AH Plus (AHP). After 28 days, periapical tissue reactions were assessed using microcomputed tomography and histological staining. The elemental composition and chemical composition of the extruded EBC and NBG were analyzed at Day 1 and 28 using an electron probe microanalyzer and micro-Raman spectroscopy. No periapical lesions were observed with the sealer extrusion. Additionally, inflammation around the extruded EBC and NBG was minimal to mild on Day 28, whereas moderate inflammation was found around the extruded AHP. Silicon concentration in the extruded EBC and NBG decreased significantly from Day 1 to 28, with almost no silicon present on Day 28. Furthermore, the extruded EBC and NBG became calcium- and phosphorus-rich, showing a Raman band for hydroxyapatite on Day 28. In conclusion, EBC and NBG demonstrated favorable biocompatibility and the ability to release silicon elements and produce hydroxyapatite when extruded into the periapical tissues. AHP showed moderate periapical tissue irritancy. Full article

Zeolites and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are crystalline aluminosilicates with porous structure, which are closely linked with nanomaterials. They are characterized by enhanced ion exchange capacity, physical–chemical stability, thermal stability and biocompatibility, making them a promising material for dental applications. This review aimed to provide an overview of the application of zeolites and ZIFs in dentistry. The common zeolite compounds for dental application include silver zeolite, zinc zeolite, calcium zeolite and strontium zeolite. The common ZIFs for dental application include ZIF-8 and ZIF-67. Zeolites and ZIFs have been employed in various areas of dentistry, such as restorative dentistry, endodontics, prosthodontics, implantology, periodontics, orthodontics and oral surgery. In restorative dentistry, zeolites and ZIFs are used as antimicrobial additives in dental adhesives and restorative materials. In endodontics, zeolites are used in root-end fillings, root canal irritants, root canal sealers and bone matrix scaffolds for peri-apical diseases. In prosthodontics, zeolites can be incorporated into denture bases, tissue conditioners, soft denture liners and dental prostheses. In implantology, zeolites and ZIFs are applied in dental implants, bone graft materials, bone adhesive hydrogels, drug delivery systems and electrospinning. In periodontics, zeolites can be applied as antibacterial agents for deep periodontal pockets, while ZIFs can be embedded in guided tissue regeneration membranes and guided bone regeneration membranes. In orthodontics, zeolites can be applied in orthodontic appliances. Additionally, for oral surgery, zeolites can be used in oral cancer diagnostic marker membranes, maxillofacial prosthesis silicone elastomer and tooth extraction medicines, while ZIFs can be incorporated to osteogenic glue or used as a carrier for antitumour drugs. In summary, zeolites have a broad application in dentistry and are receiving more attention from clinicians and researchers. Full article

Introduction: The effect of high temperatures on the properties of endodontic sealers during warm compaction of gutta-percha may be a matter of concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of heat on the biocompatibility and bioactivity of EndoSequence BC Sealer HiFlow (ESHF; Brasseler, Savannah, GA, USA) and AH Plus (AHPS; Dentsply, De Trey, Konstanz, Germany) when implanted into the bone tissue of rat tibias. Methods: Medical-grade silicone tubes containing freshly prepared ESHF or AHPS were heated to 100 °C and then cooled down to 65 °C before being implanted in the tibias of 24 Wistar rats. The outer walls of the tubes served as controls. After 10, 30 and 90 days, the animals were euthanized and the implants and their surrounding tissues were dissected, fixed in formalin, and processed for microscopic evaluation. Results: After 10 days postoperatively, a severe inflammatory reaction without reactionary bone formation was observed in contact with ESHF and AHPS. The severity of the reaction had decreased at the 30-day observation period for both sealers but only ESHF samples showed new bone formation adjacent to the sealer. After 90 days, no inflammatory cells were found in contact with ESHF, while a thin fibrous tissue capsule and complete bone reparation of the surrounding areas were observed in contact with the material. For AH Plus, a fibrous connective tissue containing scarce remaining inflammatory cells could be observed in most of the samples, however, in the absence of new bone formation. No significant differences (p > 0.05) between ESHF and AHPS were found at the 10-day observation period. At the 30 and 90-day, significant differences (p < 0.05) between both materials were observed. The reaction to the controls showed significant differences with ESHF and AHPS for all experimental periods. Significant differences (p < 0.05) for the total effect of time were also found between both sealers (p < 0.05). Conclusions: At the end of the experiment, heated ESHF reacted as a biocompatible/bioactive material and stimulated continued development of new healthy bone. Although AHPS was tolerated well by the surrounding tissues, the sealer did not promote new reparative bone formation. Full article

Background: Root canal sealers and repair materials should have the desirable physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, and an antibacterial effect if possible. There is little information available on the biocompatibility of new sealers on the market. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) can offer trustworthy data to examine chemical structures; another technique for revealing the elements in the constituents that may contribute to the cytotoxicity of these sealers is scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with the goal of elemental mapping utilizing energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Methodology: All the root canal sealers were mixed as per the manufacturers’ instructions and allowed to set in molds for 24 h. Then, the samples were placed into an incubator (Memmert GmbH + Co. KG, Schwabach, Germany for 72 h, in a moist environment to allow complete chemical setting of the sealers. The organic and inorganic components of the sample were identified using FTIR with the wavelength length in the infra-red region measuring 400–450 nm. The finely crushed samples were coated with gold metal; following that, the sealer samples were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at 5000×, 10,000×, and 20,000× magnification, followed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results: The surfaces of BioRoot and DiaRoot sealers revealed a relatively uniform distribution of irregular micro-sized particles aggregated in clusters, with the particle size ranging from 1 to 65 µm and 0.4 to 55 µm, respectively. OneFill, iRoot, and CeraSeal demonstrated irregularly shaped particles with particle sizes of 0.5 to 105 µm, 0.5 to 195 µm, and 0.3 to 68 µm, respectively. The EDX microanalysis revealed that oxygen, calcium, and carbon were found in all the tested sealer materials. Silicone and zirconium were absent in DiaRoot, but DiaRoot contained fluoride and ytterbium. Moreover, aluminum was noted in DiaRoot, One Fill, and CeraSeal, and chloride was only observed in BioRoot. FTIR analysis revealed strong absorption bands at 666 cm⁻¹ and 709 cm⁻¹ in BioRoot. Bands at 739 cm⁻¹, 804 cm⁻¹, 863 cm⁻¹, 898 cm⁻¹, and 1455 cm⁻¹ were observed in DiaRoot. Bands at 736 cm⁻¹ and 873 cm⁻¹ in OneFill suggested the presence of C-H bending. Similarly, bands were observed at 937 cm⁻¹, 885 cm⁻¹, 743 cm⁻¹, and 1455 cm⁻¹ in iRoot, representing C-H stretching. Conclusions: All root canal sealers had diverse surface morphologies that contained irregular, micro-sized particles that were uniformly distributed, and they lacked heavy metals. All the experimental sealers comprised mainly calcium, oxygen, and carbon. Full article

Recently, bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGns) have been acknowledged for their ability to promote interactions with the periapical tissue and enhance tissue regeneration by releasing therapeutic ions. However, there have been no studies on calcium silicate sealers with bioactive glass nanoparticle (BGn) additives. In the present study, a premixed calcium silicate root canal sealer reinforced with BGn (pre-mixed-RCS@BGn) was developed and its physicochemical features and biological effects were analyzed. Three specimens were in the trial: 0%, 0.5%, and 1% bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGns) were gradually added to the premixed type of calcium silicate-based sealer (pre-mixed-RCS). To elucidate the surface properties, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy were used and flowability, setting time, solubility, and radiopacity were analyzed to evaluate the physical properties. Chemical properties were investigated by water contact angle, pH change, and ion release measurements. The antibacterial effects of the bioactive set sealers were tested with Enterococcus faecalis and the viability of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with this biomaterial was examined. In addition, osteogenic differentiation was highly stimulated, which was confirmed by ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) activity and the ARS (Alizarin red S) staining of hMSCs. The pre-mixed-RCS@BGn satisfied the ISO standards for root canal sealers and maintained antimicrobial activity. Moreover, pre-mixed-RCS@BGn with more BGns turned out to have less cytotoxicity than pre-mixed-RCS without BGns while promoting osteogenic differentiation, mainly due to calcium and silicon ion release. Our results suggest that BGns enhance the biological properties of this calcium silicate-based sealer and that the newly introduced pre-mixed-RCS@BGn has the capability to be applied in dental procedures as a root canal sealer. Further studies focusing more on the biocompatibility of pre-mixed-RCS@BGn should be performed to investigate in vivo systems, including pulp tissue. Full article

Aimed to evaluate the effect of water solubility on chemical properties and surface structure of bioceramic-based (BC-HiFlow and BC-EndoSeqence) compared with resin-based (Adseal) root canal sealers. Fresh mix was inserted into polyethylene mold (n = 10) and subjected to Vicat needle to evaluate the setting time. The set discs were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy then immersed in deionized water for 1, 7, 14 and 28 days. The solubility%, pH changes, released calcium (Ca²⁺), phosphate (PO₄³⁻) and silicon (Si⁴⁺) ions were evaluated after each immersion period. The discs were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy/Energy dispersed X-ray (SEM/EDX) before and after solubility test. Although FTIR detected similar composition of both bioceramic-sealers, BC-EndoSequence determined the prolonged setting times. At the end of solubility test, both bioceramic-sealers exhibited significant greater solubility (>3%), alkaline pH (>11) at p < 0.001. Adseal displayed the significant greatest Ca²⁺ and PO₄³⁻ released, while BC-HiFlow displayed the significant greatest Si⁴⁺ release (p < 0.001). SEM revealed voids and pores on the surface of all tested sealers with the greatest value on Adseal surface. In conclusion, although both bioceramic-sealers had high solubility, BC-Hiflow complied the ISO standard regarding setting time and least surface micropores better than that of BC-EndoSequence. Full article

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties and the effect of solubility on the surface morphology and composition of the root canal sealers MTA-Bioseal, MTA-Fillapex, and Adseal. Discs (n = 10) of freshly mixed sealer were prepared and then analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). The discs were immersed for 1, 7, 14, and 28 days in deionized water. The solubility %; pH change of the solution; and released calcium, phosphate, and silicon were measured for each period. The flowability and film thickness were also evaluated. Changes in the surface morphology and composition after 28 days of immersion were evaluated by SEM/EDX. The data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA at p < 0.05. The FTIR and EDX results revealed similar compositions of MTA-Bioseal and MTA-Fillapex, but with different concentrations. The two MTA-based sealers had higher solution alkalinity (pH > 10) than Adseal (pH ≈ 8.5). MTA-Fillapex exhibited the highest solubility % and the largest calcium and silicon ion release. MTA-Bioseal had the highest phosphate ion release. After 28 days, the sealer surfaces showed large micropores, with larger pores in MTA-Fillapex. Adseal had an intermediate flowability but exhibited the greatest film thickness. Finally, the highest solubility and largest amount of silicon release was exhibited by MTA-Fillapex, which might predispose it to the development of large micropores, compromising the apical seal of obturation. Full article

This study compared the apatite-forming ability (AFA) levels of flowable and putty formulations of Nishika Canal Sealer BG Multi (F-NBG and P-NBG, respectively) and attempted to clarify the cause of differences in the AFA levels of F-NBG and P-NBG. NBG samples were aged in simulated body fluid (SBF) or 1-, 5-, or 10-g/L bovine serum albumin-containing SBF (BSA-SBF) and analyzed in terms of their ultrastructures, elemental compositions, and Raman spectra to identify apatite formation. The phosphate ion consumption rates of NBG samples in the media were evaluated as an indicator of apatite growth. The original elemental composition, calcium ion release, and alkalizing ability levels of F-NBG and P-NBG were also evaluated. Apparent apatite formation was detected on all NBG samples except F-NBG aged in 10-g/L BSA-SBF. P-NBG consumed phosphate ions faster than F-NBG. As-prepared P-NBG showed more silicon elements on its surface than as-prepared F-NBG. P-NBG released more calcium ions than F-NBG, although their alkalizing ability levels did not differ statistically. In conclusion, the AFA of P-NBG was greater than that of F-NBG, probably because of the greater ability of P-NBG to expose silanol groups on the surface and release calcium ions. Full article

SILICONE1200 is an inexpensive domestic poly (dimethylsiloxane)-based sealer that was used in this study to remove volatile organic compounds from over-saturated water using the pervaporation technique. A series of volatile organic liquid compounds representing an important part of polluting organic products released every day in water were chosen for this study. These products were alkyl halides (chloroform), aromatics (toluene), aliphatic hydrocarbons (heptanes), ketones and aldehydes (butanone), and organosulfides (thiophene). The mass transfer of these compounds and their mixtures through the SILICONE1200 membrane was assessed to predict the results of the separation process. The results indicate that the mechanism of diffusion obeyed a Fickian model. Different parameters affecting the pervaporation results, such as the membrane thickness, stirring rate, and temperature, were examined to determine the optimal conditions in terms of the total flux and selectivity. The optimized parameters were then applied to the separation of an organic mixture from polluted water using the dynamic pervaporation process with promising results. Full article

Calcium silicate-based bioactive glass has received significant attention for use in various biomedical applications due to its excellent bioactivity and biocompatibility. However, the bioactivity of calcium silicate nanoparticle-incorporated bioactive dental sealer is not much explored. Herein, three commercially available bioactive root canal sealers (Endoseal MTA (EDS), Well-Root ST (WST), and Nishika Canal Sealer BG (NBG)) were compared with a resin-based control sealer (AH Plus (AHP)) in terms of physical, chemical, and biological properties. EDS and NBG showed 200 to 400 nm and 100 to 200 nm nanoparticle incorporation in the SEM image, respectively, and WST and NBG showed mineral deposition in Hank’s balanced salt solution after 28 days. The flowability and film thickness of all products met the ISO 3107 standard. Water contact angle, linear dimensional changes, and calcium and silicate ion release were significantly different among groups. All bioactive root canal sealers released calcium ions, while NBG released ~10 times more silicon ions than the other bioactive root canal sealers. Under the cytocompatible extraction range, NBG showed prominent cytocompatibility, osteogenecity, and angiogenecity compared to other sealers in vitro. These results indicate that calcium silicate nanoparticle incorporation in dental sealers could be a potential strategy for dental periapical tissue regeneration. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytocompatibility and mineralization potential of two premixed hydraulic endodontic sealers compared with an epoxy resin-based root canal sealer. The cellular responses and mineralization capacity were studied in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) that were exposed to premixed hydraulic sealers, Bio-C Sealer (Angelus, Londrína, PR, Brazil), TotalFill BC Sealer (FKG Dentaire SA, La-Chaux-de-fonds, Switzerland) and an epoxy resin-based material, AH Plus (Dentsply De Trey, Konstanz, Germany). Non-exposed cultures served as the control. The endodontic sealers were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). Statistical analyses were done using Analisis of Variance (ANOVA), with Bonferroni adjusted pairwise comparison (p = 0.05). AH Plus reduced cell viability and cell migration, whereas increased cell viability and cell migration were observed in the Bio-C Sealer and the TotalFill BC Sealer (p < 0.05). The lowest cell attachment and spreading were observed for all concentrations of AH Plus, whereas the highest were observed for TotalFill BC Sealer. At the end of 21 days, only the Bio-C Sealer and the TotalFill BC Sealer supported matrix mineralization (p < 0.05). Additionally, SEM-EDX revealed high content of calcium, oxygen, and silicon in the Bio-C Sealer and the TotalFill BC Sealer. Based on the results from this study, Bio-C Sealer and TotalFill BC Sealer demonstrated better cytocompatibility in terms of cell viability, migration, cell morphology, cell attachment, and mineralization capacity than AH Plus. Full article