INTRODUCTION:
Bioactivity and biomimetics are gaining popularity in dentistry in general, and in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics in particular. These materials stimulate native tissues to repair or regenerate the appropriate tissue where disease and inflammation has caused an imbalance or destruction. Caries, resorption, fracture and other idiopathic diseases cause destruction of dental tissues like dentine, cementum, periodontal ligament and periapical bone. Selecting an ideal bioactive cement for such treatments is paramount in ensuring success.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
To formulate and characterize an indigenous affordable Experimental Calcium Silicate cement to overcome the disadvantages of MTA and other contemporary Calcium Silicate cements.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
In this study an indigenous new experimental Calcium S ilicate cement was formulated to overcome few disadvantages of MTA, however to retain its remineralization potential comparing it with MTA. Characterization of the cements was done using XRD, setting time was measured with Vicat needle apparatus, compressive strength and push out bond strength were assessed in universal testing machine, color stability was tested using a spectrophotometer and bioactivity was studied using SEM and EDAX.
RESULTS:
Characterization of cements revealed their constituent elements. Though setting time and push out bond strength of the new cement were unfavorable, it showed a satisfactory compressive strength and good color stability. In fact the new cement showed improvement in its color after storage in distilled water and NaOCl in contrast to MTA. There was formation of a bone like carbonate apatite at 24 hours and pure HA at 3 months when the experimental cement was immersed in PBS.
CONCLUSION:
With suitable modifications to accelerate the setting reaction and increase push-out bond strength, the new experimental Calcium Silicate cement can prove to be a viable alternative to MTA at an affordable cost
