Objectives: To evaluate the radiopacity of Biodentine (BD) and BD associated with 15% calcium tungstate (BDCaWO 4 ) or zirconium oxide (BDZrO 2 ), by using conventional and digital radiography systems, and their physicochemical and biological properties. Materials and Methods: Radiopacity was evaluated by taking radiographs of cement specimens (n=8) using occlusal film, photostimulable phosphor plates or digital sensors. Solubility, setting time, pH, cytocompatibility and osteogenic potential were also evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-test or two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-test (α=0.05). Results: BD radiopacity was lower than 3 mm Al, while BD ZrO 2 and BD CaWO 4 radiopacity was higher than 3 mm Al in all radiography systems. The cements showed low solubility, except for BDCaWO 4 . All cements showed alkaline pH and setting time lower than 34 minutes. MTT and NR assays revealed that cements had greater or similar cytocompatibility in comparison with control. The ALP activity in all groups was similar or greater than the control. All cements induced greater production of mineralized nodules than control. Conclusions: Addition of 15% ZrO 2 or CaWO 4 was sufficient to increase the radiopacity of BD to values higher than 3 mm Al. BD associated with radiopacifiers showed suitable properties of setting time, pH and solubility, except for BDCaWO 4 , which showed the highest solubility. All cements had cytocompatibility and potential to induce mineralization in Saos-2 cells. The results showed that adding 15% ZrO 2 increases the radiopacity of BD, allowing its radiography detection without altering its physicochemical and biological properties.

Barbara ROMA (a) Hernán COAGUILA-LLERENA (a) Mário TANOMARU-FILHO (a) Andréa GONÇALVES (c) Rubens SPIN-NETO (d) Gisele FARIA (a)

This study aimed to assess the physicochemical properties of a repair material in the Brazilian market, BioMTA, in comparison to other two materials currently in use (Biodentine and MTA Angelus). The initial setting time was evaluated using Gillmore needle. The pH was measured with a pH-meter after 24 h, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. The radiopacity was determined using the equivalence in millimeters of aluminum (mm Al) from digitized occlusal radiographs. Solubility was determined after immersion in water for 7 days. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (a=0.05). The BioMTA initial setting time (5.2 min) was lower than the other materials (p<0.05). All materials showed an alkaline pH at 21 days. At 24 h, BioMTA was the most alkaline material (p<0.05); and at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days there was no difference between BioMTA and Biodentine (p>0.05), both being more alkaline than MTA Angelus (p<0.05). The radiopacity of BioMTA (4.2 mm Al) was significantly higher compared to Biodentine (p<0.05) and lower than MTA Angelus (p<0.05). The solubility of the materials was -4.2%, -1.6% and 4.1% for BioMTA, MTA Angelus and Biodentine, respectively, with a significant difference between them (p<0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that BioMTA displayed a shorter setting time, an alkaline pH, a higher radiopacity, and a gain in mass.