Comparison of the radiopacity of selected materials used for vital pulp therapy: An in vitro assessment

Abstract

Background. An assessment of the therapeutic effects of vital pulp treatment is based on both clinical and radiological evaluation. Objectives. The aim of the research was a long-term (after 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks) radiological assessment of X-ray absorption by 8 selected materials used for the vital treatment of dental pulp. Material and methods. The materials, prepared in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations, were placed in molds measuring 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness. The molds with the samples were placed on an occlusal film with an aluminum step wedge, and then X-rayed using an intraoral X-ray unit. After processing, an X-ray image with varying degrees of opacity was obtained. The radiological density of the samples, the step wedge and the background was measured 6 times using a densitometer. The tests were repeated at the following intervals: after 7 days, and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The molds with the material samples were stored in an incubator at 37°C and 95% humidity. Results. The obtained results were statistically analyzed. The mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) materials exhibited the highest degree of contrast, whereas the lowest radiopacity was shown for the non-setting calcium hydroxide preparations (p < 0.0001). Calcium hydroxide cements presented medium radiopacity values. Conclusions. The radiopacity of all the evaluated materials showed a statistically insignificant increasing tendency with regard to the duration of the experiment. All the tested preparations showed acceptable radiopacity, enabling radiological detection in the course of vital pulp therapy.