Temperature and Roughness Effects on the Physical Properties of Calcium Silicate Cement Sealers

Endodontic sealers play several very important roles in finalizing root canal treatment. Pre-mixed calcium silicate cement sealers (CSCS) have gained popularity over the last ten years due to their superior biocompatibility and handling properties. Sealer properties are evaluated using A independent, non-governmental organization, The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), provides standardization of terminology, methods of testing and requirements for dental materials. This allows clinicians easy comparison of the extensive variety of novel sealers currently being released on the market. However, laboratory protocols generally do not replicate true clinical conditions or application. Many techniques are used to complete root canal obturation, several of which involve the use of heat. Heat has been shown to affect the physical properties and the setting reaction of CSCS (Aksel et al., 2021; Camilleri et al., 2015). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of temperature and surface roughness on three physical properties, flow, film thickness, and setting time, of two CSCS, BioRootTMFlow (BRF) and CeraSeal (CS). Flow and film thickness tests were conducted utilizing ISO 6876:2012 protocols for the control group. For the experimental group, ISO protocols were modified. Glass laboratory slides were roughened in order to mimic the surface roughness of dentin. Additionally, heat was applied to the sealer samples with an EndoPro heated plugger set to 150° C. Setting time was also evaluated utilizing ISO 6876:2012 standard protocol. Root segments prepared with 6% NaOCl and 17% EDTA were utilized in place of plaster, metal, or silicone molds as is recommended by ISO 6876:2012. The sealer samples in the experimental group were subjected to heat via an EndoPro heated plugger set to 150° C prior to evaluation of initial and final set times. Statistical analysis of data was completed using a student T-test. Within the limitations of this study, our experiment demonstrates surface roughness does not have a statistically significant effect on flow, film thickness, or setting time. Our study does agree with previous studies regarding the effects of heat on film thickness, flow, and setting time of premixed CSCS. Given the introduction of a diverse number of novel premixed CSCS into the market, our study supports the revision of ISO 6876:2012 standard protocols to better replicate clinical application of these materials.