Influence of Ultrasonic Activation on the Physicochemical Properties of Calcium Silicate-Based Cements

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate the influence of ultrasonic activation on the physicochemical properties of setting time (ST), flow (FL), dimensional change (DC), and solubility (SL) of the cements: MTA, MTA Repair HP, and Biodentine®. Materials and Methods. Two experimental groups were formed according to the cement activation protocol: without ultrasonic activation and with ultrasonic activation. Cements were manipulated according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Ultrasonic activation group was performed with an E1 insert at power 3 (24–32 kHz) for 30 s directly in the center of the cement mass. The molds for analysis of the physicochemical properties were filled out and evaluated according to specification No. 57 from ANSI/ADA. The results were analyzed using the ANOVA test (two-way), complemented by Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). The distilled water used during the solubility test was submitted to spectrometry to verify the release of calcium ions. The morphologies of the external surface and the cross-section of the samples were analyzed by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results. For the ST, ultrasonic activation reduced the values of MTA, MTA Repair HP, and Biodentine ( P < 0.05 ). For the FL, ultrasonic activation did not alter the flow of MTA ( P > 0.05 ); however, it increased the flow MTA Repair HP and Biodentine ( P < 0.05 ). For the DC, the percentage values of dimensional change were higher when there was ultrasonic activation in all repair cements ( P < 0.05 ). For SL, there was a reduction in the percentage of the values in MTA and MTA Repair HP ( P < 0.05 ); however, there was no change in the values of Biodentine ( P > 0.05 ). Ultrasonic activation favored the release of calcium ions from all cements. The SEM analysis showed, in general, that the ultrasonic activation reduced and altered the particle shape of the cement. Conclusions. The ultrasonic activation interfered in the ST, DC, FL, ultrastructural morphology, and calcium release of the repair cements. However, it did not affect the solubility of Biodentine®.

New Bioactive Calcium Silicate Cement Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Repair High Plasticity (MTA HP)—A Systematic Review

“…A total of 16 papers were included into the group discussing the physicochemical parameters of MTA HP [ 5 , 16 , 17 , 23 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. The analysed selected physicochemical parameters of MTA HP, together with the most important results are given in Table 6 .…”

“…The authors provide the following explanation: when ultrasonic activation is used, there is an air vortex and changes in hydrostatic pressure, which favors the formation of cavitation, causing an increase in the temperature of the material. This increases the hydration and reaction kinetics [ 32 , 41 ]. The presence of water in the cement leads to the transformation of calcium oxide into calcium hydroxide and, additionally, shortens the setting time [ 42 ].…”

“…Endodontic cements cannot have a diameter smaller than 20 mm in the flow test [ 43 ]. According to the study by Acris De Carvalho et al (2021) MTA HP met the standard only following activation with ultrasound [ 32 ]. Chemical transformations occurring as a result of the material’s contact with water in the process of cement hydration and an increase in temperature may affect the decrease in cement particle diameter and the reduction of the viscosity of the cements, favoring the flow [ 44 ].…”

“…This difference between the conventional MTA and MTA HP, both of which have similar compositions, could be due to the plasticizer contained in the mixing liquid of MTA HP [ 30 ] Hydration contributes to increasing the mass of cement, loosening its structure and creating voids [ 29 , 47 ]. Ultrasonic activation reduces the occurrence of this unfavorable phenomenon [ 32 ].…”

The Effect of Ultrasonic Agitation on the Porosity Distribution in Apically Perforated Root Canals Filled with Different Bioceramic Materials and Techniques: A Micro-CT Assessment

“…The effect of ultrasonic application mainly refers to the acoustic energy transmission and the formation of cavitation bubbles, which eventually implode, increasing the temperature and the pressure inside the root canal [ 21 ]. According to previous investigations, which have reported significantly better results in terms of porosity after the use of indirect ultrasonication, the increased pressure may remove the entrapped air, disperse agglomerated particles, reduce their surface friction and provide a more efficient incorporation of filler particles into the organic matrix, with no changes in particle size or material composition [ 23 , 25 , 48 ]. Additionally, the pressure generated during ultrasonic agitation may lead to superior interfacial adaptation between the filling material and the root canal wall, with better tubular penetration as well [ 21 , 22 ].…”