Physico-Chemical Investigation of Endodontic Sealers Exposed to Simulated Intracanal Heat Application: Hydraulic Calcium Silicate-Based Sealers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to gain information about the effect of thermal treatment of calcium silicate-based sealers. BioRoot RCS (BR), Total Fill BC Sealer (TFBC), and Total Fill BC Sealer HiFlow (TFHF) were exposed to thermal treatment at 37 °C, 47 °C, 57 °C, 67 °C, 77 °C, 87 °C and 97 °C for 30 s. Heat treatment at 97 °C was performed for 60 and 180 s to simulate inappropriate application of warm obturation techniques. Thereafter, specimens were cooled to 37 °C and physical properties (setting time/flow/film thickness according to ISO 6876) were evaluated. Chemical properties (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) were assessed after incubation of the specimens in an incubator at 37 °C and 100% humidity for 8 weeks. Statistical analysis of physical properties was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis-Test (P = 0.05). The setting time, flow, and film thickness of TFBC and TFHF were not relevantly influenced by thermal treatment. Setting time of BR decreased slightly when temperature of heat application increased from 37 °C to 77 °C (P < 0.05). Further heat treatment of BR above 77 °C led to an immediate setting. FT-IR spectroscopy did not reveal any chemical changes for either sealers. Thermal treatment did not lead to any substantial chemical changes at all temperature levels, while physical properties of BR were compromised by heating. TFBC and TFHF can be considered suitable for warm obturation techniques.

Calcium Silicate-Based Root Canal Sealers: A Narrative Review and Clinical Perspectives

“…As stated previously, the SC technique being associated with greater void incidence, using CSBS with thermoplasticized gutta-percha obturation could make sense, as this would combine the advantages of these techniques already used by many endodontic specialists with the improved properties of CSBS. However, this leads us to question the impact of heat on CSBS’ properties, which have been addressed in several studies showing different findings according to the formulations tested [ 25 , 37 , 136 , 137 ]. A temperature rise (especially above 100 °C) may lead to a change in CSBS’ physical properties, especially their flowability, setting time, and adhesion to dentin walls [ 104 , 136 ].…”

“…However, this leads us to question the impact of heat on CSBS’ properties, which have been addressed in several studies showing different findings according to the formulations tested [ 25 , 37 , 136 , 137 ]. A temperature rise (especially above 100 °C) may lead to a change in CSBS’ physical properties, especially their flowability, setting time, and adhesion to dentin walls [ 104 , 136 ]. Based on the available knowledge, Endosequence ® BC Sealer™ HiFlow ® and EndoSequence ® BC Sealer™ formulations could be used with heat [ 104 ], but not all CSBS can.…”

Impact of Water Solubility on Chemical Composition and Surface Structure of Two Generations of Bioceramic Root Canal Sealers

“…Recently, a new BC-HiFlow sealer (Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA, USA) launched in the market, and it is compatible with heat generated during warm vertical compaction technique. Few studies were recently published on the effect of heat on its physico-chemical properties [16][17][18]. It claimed to be less soluble due to its fast setting [16].…”

Evaluation of Bond Strength of Four Different Root Canal Sealers

“…It is a bioactive material with satisfactory biological and antimicrobial properties due to its content of calcium silicates, calcium phosphate, calcium hydroxide, and zirconium oxide. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, this sealer is designed to be used in combination with gutta-percha points that are impregnated and coated with bioceramic particles (BC Point) [ 18 ].…”