Tissue response to an experimental calcium hydroxide-based endodontic sealer: a quantitative study in subcutaneous connective tissue of the rat.

Silicone tubes containing a freshly mixed experimental Sealapex, in which titanium dioxide was removed from the original formula, were implanted in the dorsal subcutaneous connective tissue of the rat. Solid silicone rods of the same size as the tubes were also implanted and used as inert controls. The tissue reaction to both these materials was histometrically and quantitatively studied under light microscopy and by elemental electron microprobe analysis. After 7, 30 and 90 d of implantation, different grades of tissue reaction to the tested materials were recorded. A granulomatous tissue containing numerous foreign-body giant cells and macrophages with engulfed particles in their cytoplasms was initially detected in contact with the test material. In addition, many fibroblasts and newly formed vessels were also observed at these areas. The results of this study revealed that these reactions increased progressively at the 30- and 90-d observations. The electron microprobe analysis of the granulomatous tissues showed the presence of heavy components of the experimental material.