Tridimensional Quantitative Porosity Characterization of Three Set Calcium Silicate-Based Repair Cements for Endodontic Use

The aim of the this study was to quantitatively evaluate in three-dimensional (3D), the porosity degree of three improved silicate-based endodontic repair cements (iRoot BP Plus((R)), Biodentine((R)), and Ceramicrete) compared to a gold-standard calcium silicate bioactive cement (Pro Root((R)) MTA). From each tested cement, four samples were prepared by a single operator following the manufacturer's instructions in terms of proportion, time, and mixing method, using cylindrical plastic split-ring moulds. The moulds were lubricated and the mixed cements were inserted with the aid of a cement spatula. The samples were scanned using a compact micro-CT device (Skyscan 1174, Bruker micro-CT, Kontich, Belgium) and the projection images were reconstructed into cross-sectional slices (NRecon v.1.6.9, Bruker micro-CT). From the stack of images, 3D models were rendered and the porosity parameters of each tested material were obtained after threshold definition by comparison with standard porosity values of Biodentine((R)). No statistically significant differences in the porosity parameters among the different materials were seen. Regarding total porosity, iRoot BP Plus((R)) showed a higher percentage of total porosity (9.58%), followed by Biodentine((R)) (7.09%), Pro Root((R)) MTA (6.63%), and Ceramicrete (5.91%). Regarding closed porosity, Biodentine((R)) presented a slight increase in these numbers compared to the other sealers. No significant difference in porosity between iRoot BP Plus((R)), Biodentine((R)), and Ceramicrete were seen. In addition, no significant difference in porosity between the new calcium silicate-containing repair cements and the gold-standard MTA were found. Microsc. Res. Tech., 76:1093-1098, 2013. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.