Physical Properties of MTA Fillapex Sealer

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare several physicochemical properties including working and setting times, flow, solubility, and water absorption of a recent calcium silicate based sealer (MTA Fillapex; Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) and an epoxy resin-based sealer (AH Plus; Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany). Methods: The materials were handled following the manufacturer's instructions. The working time and flow were tested according to ISO 6876: 2001 and the setting time according to American Society for Testing and Materials C266. For solubility and water absorption tests, the materials were placed into polyvinyl chloride molds (8 x 1.6 mm). The samples (n = 10 for each material and test) were placed in a cylindrical polystyrene-sealed container with 20 mL deionized water at 37 degrees C. At 1, 7, 14, and 28 days, the samples were removed from the solutions and blotted dry for solubility and water absorption tests. The data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance with the Tukey test (P < .05). Results: MTA Fillapex showed the lowest values of flow, working and setting times, solubility, and water absorption (P < .05). The solubility and water absorption increased significantly over time for both materials in a 1- to 28-day period (P < .05). Conclusions: MTA Fillapex showed suitable physical properties to be used as an endodontic sealer.