Evaluation of micro surface structure and chemical composition of two different calcium silicate–containing filling materials (original) (raw)

2018, Turkish Endodontic Journal

A number of materials has been developed by various manufacturers for use as root-end filling materials. The first material to be developed specifically for this purpose was mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Although MTA is considered to have ideal properties, its usage remained limited due to its high-cost, difficult handling characteristics, long setting time, and the potential of discoloration. [1] These shortcomings of MTA led to continuous efforts in developing the modified versions of MTA. In 2001, MTA Angelus (MTA-A, Angelus Dental Solutions, Londrina, Brazil) was introduced as an alternative to ProRoot MTA, the first MTA product, and used in cer-Objective: To investigate and compare the composition and micro surface structure of two different calcium silicate-containing filling materials using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methods: The materials investigated included DiaRoot BioAggregate (BA) and MTA Angelus (MTA-A). After mixing, each filling material was placed into cubes of 3 mm3. The hardening samples were compressed and broken and these samples were used for SEM examination. For elemental analysis and chemical composition, some samples were powdered and EDX was performed. Results: EDX findings indicated that the major constituents of BA included calcium, oxygen, tantalum, and silicon. The chemical structure of MTA-A was similar to that of BA except for the absence of tantalum (radiopacifier). In addition, MTA-A contained some elements, e.g., aluminum, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, rubidium, and strontium in trace amounts. The chemistry of compounds of BA filling material is more biologically compatible as a restorative material. In SEM images, BA was noted to be granular and almost spherical and particles of all sizes were observed. MTA-A was detected as a porous structure; its particles were granular, but locally planar layers were also detected. Conclusion: The mineralogical composition of BA was different from that of MTA-A. As opposed to MTA-A, BA did not contain tricalcium aluminate phase and it included tantalum oxide as a radiopacifier. SEM images of MTA-A represented a more porous surface structure than that of BA. In light of these findings, BioAggregate seems to be a more suitable root-end filling material in terms of mineral content and surface structure.