Sealing Ability of MTA and CEM Cement as Root-End Fillings of Human Teeth in Dry, Saliva or Blood-Contaminated Conditions

INTRODUCTION: Sealing ability is an important factor for a root-end filling material in endodontic surgeries. This in vitro study aimed to compare the sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and a new endodontic cement named calcium enriched mixture (CEM) cement as root-end filling materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiments were carried out in dry, saliva or blood contaminated root-end cavities of hundred single-rooted extracted human teeth. After decoronation, the root canals were cleaned, shaped, obturated, and stored in 100% humidity for 5 days. Removing the apical 2-3mm of each root, a 3mm deep root-end cavity was ultrasonically prepared. Samples were randomly divided into 2 test groups of 45 roots/experimental material, and one subgroup (n=15) for each environmental condition as follows; a) dried before placing the filling material, b) filled after contamination with saliva, and c) filled after contamination with blood. Ten roots were used as positive/negative controls. Samples were placed in an incubator at 37°C for a day and immersed in methylene blue dye under reduced pressure environment for 48hours. Roots were sectioned longitudinally and examined under stereomicroscope by an independent observer. RESULTS: Using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction, the results demonstrated significantly less leakage for the CEM cement in saliva contaminated condition when compared to MTA (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the sealing ability of CEM cement was superior to MTA in saliva contaminated condition

Comparing the sealing properties of mineral trioxide aggregate and an experimental ceramic based root end filling material in different environments

Background: An apical seal is an important factor in achieving success in surgical endodontics. Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the sealing properties of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with a new ceramic based root end filling material (Cold Ceramic) in different environments. Materials and Methods: One hundred teeth were selected. The root canals were instrumented and obturated. Except for the apical 2 mm, the root surfaces were sealed. After root resection, 3 mm depth root-end cavities were prepared. For each material, roots were divided into 3 equal subgroups and the root-end filling was done in different environments (dry, saliva contaminated, blood contaminated). Five roots served as positive and 5 roots as negative controls. Samples were immersed in 2% methylene blue dye. Roots were sectioned longitudinally and examined under stereomicroscope to record the extension of dye penetration. Results: All experimental groups demonstrated dye penetration. The lowest linear leakage was seen in Cold Ceramic blood contaminated group while the highest leakage was observed in MTA blood contaminated group. The linear dye penetration of both MTA and Cold Ceramic (CC) groups did not show any significant differences among different environments. Also, the difference between MTA and CC was not significant in dry and saliva contaminated subgroups. Only the difference between dye penetration of MTA and CC in blood contaminated subgroups showed significant difference ( P = 0.008). Conclusion: The sealing property of this ceramic based root end filling material (Cold Ceramic) is better than MTA in blood contaminated condition and at least similar to MTA in other conditions