Determination of pH and evaluation of the efficiency of different definitive root canal filling materials in conservative treatment of chronic apical periodontitis

Abstract

The phisico-chemical properties of the root canal filling materials play an important role in the outome of the endodontic treatment. Zinc oxide-eugenol, mineral-Trioxid-Aggregate (MTA), calcim-hydroxide or glass ionomer cement are the most frequently used chemical components of the materials, which assure them antimicrobial, radiopacity and adhesive properties. The high pH value ensures the sealer antibacterial effects which lead to the lowering of the periodontal inflammation and stimulate the healing process. The aim of this study was to determine in vitro the pH value of five of the most used root canal filling materials and to evaluate their efficiency in vivo in conservative treatment of chronic apical periodontitis.According to our results SealApex (Kerr) presents the highest average pH value and the shortest healing period of chronic apical periodontitis.