Evaluation of the radiopacity of selected calcium-silicate root canal sealers

Abstract

Introduction : International standards require adequate radiopacity of root canal filling materials to distinguish them from natural structures, such as tooth tissues, and to allow evaluation of the quality of the root canal filling. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the radiopacity of selected calcium-silicate root canal sealers compared with the resin-based AH Plus root canal sealer. Materials and methods : The study included 6 root canal sealers: BioRoot RCS, GuttaFlow bioseal, MTA Fillapex, Total Fill BC Sealer, Well-Root ST and AH Plus. Six disc-shaped samples were prepared from all analysed materials (4 mm in diameter and 1 mm thick) and analysed using a digital radiography technique and aluminium step wedges (1.5–15 mm thick) as a standard reference. The radiopacity was determined using computer image analysis. The data was statistically analysed using a Tukey’s range test. Results : All root canal sealers showed radiopacity at least corresponding to the 3 mm aluminium step wedge. AH Plus (13.23 mm Al) showed the highest radiopacity, followed by Total Fill BC Sealer (7.93 mm Al), Well-Root ST (7.12 mm Al), BioRoot RCS (5.93 mm Al) and GuttaFlow bioseal (5.08 mm Al ). MTA Fillapex (3.02 mm Al) showed the lowest radiopacity. Conclusions : Although the evaluated root canal sealers show different radiopacities, all the materials met the criteria laid down by the International Organization of Standardization.