Analysis of the physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity and volumetric changes of AH Plus, MTA Fillapex and TotalFill BC Sealer

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity of AH Plus, MTA Fillapex and TotalFill BC Sealer. Volumetric changes were also evaluating using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Materials and Methods: Radiopacity and flow were evaluated in accordance with the ISO 6876, while setting time was evaluated in accordance with the ASTM- C266-08 specifications. The release of Ca2+ ions and pH were measured with spectrophotometer and pH meter, respectively, after different time intervals (1h, 3h, 24h, 72h, 168h, and 360h). Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT reduction assay to check 3T3 cells viability at 24, 48 and 72 hours. Volumetric change was evaluated by micro-CT, by using 30 acrylic teeth, filled with gutta-percha cones and the tested root canal sealer. The samples were evaluated after 168h, 360h and 720h of immersion in distilled water. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test or by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (P<0.05). Results: MTA Fillapex and TotalFill BC Sealer showed lower radiopacity than AH Plus (P<0.05). The MTA Fillapex showed the highest flow, while AH Plus showed the lowest flow (P<0.05). The initial and final setting time of AH Plus were lower than MTA Fillapex and TotalFill BC Sealer (P<0.05). In general, TotalFill BC Sealer presented higher Ca2+ ion release and pH than the other tested sealers. TotalFill BC Sealer also showed overall lower cytotoxicity when compared to the other sealers. Volumetric change of AH Plus and TotalFill BC Sealer was lower than MTA Fillapex (P<0.05). Conclusions: AH Plus, MTA Fillapex and TotalFill BC Sealer showed slight differences in the physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity, but all suitable for an endodontic sealer. However, AH Plus and TotalFill BC Sealer showed low volumetric changes when compared to MTA Fillapex.