A micro-computed tomographic study using a novel test model to assess the filling ability and volumetric changes of bioceramic root repair materials.

OBJECTIVES

New premixed bioceramic root repair materials require moisture for setting. Using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), this study evaluated the filling ability and volumetric changes of calcium silicate-based repair materials (mineral trioxide aggregate repair high-plasticity [MTA HP] and Bio-C Repair, Angelus), in comparison with a zinc oxide and eugenol-based material (intermediate restorative material [IRM]; Dentsply DeTrey).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gypsum models with cavities 3 mm deep and 1 mm in diameter were manufactured and scanned using micro-CT (SkyScan 1272. Bruker). The cavities were filled with the cements and scanned again to evaluate their filling capacity. Another scan was performed after immersing the samples in distilled water for 7 days to assess the volumetric changes of the cements. The statistical significance of differences in the data was evaluated using analysis of variance and the Tukey test with a 5% significance level.

RESULTS

Bio-C Repair had a greater filling ability than MTA HP ( < 0.05). IRM was similar to Bio-C and MTA HP ( > 0.05). MTA HP presented the largest volumetric change ( < 0.05), showing more volume loss than Bio-C and IRM, which were similar ( > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Bio-C Repair is a new endodontic material with excellent filling capacity and low volumetric change. The gypsum model proposed for evaluating filling ability and volumetric changes by micro-CT had appropriate and reproducible results. This model may enhance the physicochemical evaluation of premixed bioceramic materials, which need moisture for setting.