INTRODUCTION:This in vitro study evaluated the volumetric stability and interfacial adaptation of tricalcium silicate-based cements with different consistencies (sealer and putty) applied using the Lid technique for retrograde filling in apical surgery. METHODS:Thirty bovine incisors were prepared, obturated, and apically resected to create standardized 3 mm retrograde cavities. Specimens were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 10): BioRoot Flow + BioRoot RCS, EndoSequence BC Sealer + EndoSequence RRM, and Bio-C Sealer + Bio-C Repair. Flowable sealers were injected into the retrocavities, followed by placement of a putty layer. Micro-computed tomography scans were obtained at baseline (D0) and after 30 days of immersion in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4, 37 °C). Volumetric changes over time were analyzed using one-way and repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey post hoc tests for intergroup and intragroup comparisons (α = 0.05). Selected specimens underwent scanning electron microscopy for qualitative evaluation of interfacial adaptation. RESULTS:All materials exhibited minimal volumetric change after 30 days (<1.1%), with no significant differences among groups (P > .05). Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated close adaptation to dentinal walls, continuous interfaces between sealer and putty layers, and penetration of sealers into dentinal tubules. Occasional microgaps were observed but did not compromise overall interfacial continuity. CONCLUSIONS:The Lid technique using tricalcium silicate-based sealers and putties maintained volumetric stability and demonstrated favorable interfacial adaptation under simulated physiological conditions. These findings support the structural compatibility of combining materials with different consistencies and suggest that this approach represents a feasible option for retrograde filling in apical surgery.

This in vitro study evaluated the bond strength and adhesive interface of glass fiber posts luted to root dentin using different luting materials, adhesive systems and acid etching protocols. Sixty bovine incisors were endodontically treated and randomly divided into six groups (n = 10) according to the glass fiber posts cementation protocol and materials: RDC (Rebilda DC, Voco), RDC-AC (Rebilda DC with phosphoric acid etching), ACC (Allcem Core, FGM), ACC-AC (Allcem Core with phosphoric acid etching), RU (RelyX Ultimate, 3M ESPE), and RU-AC (RelyX Ultimate with phosphoric acid etching). After cementation of the posts (Whitepost DC1), the specimens were thermocycled (10,000 cycles; 5-55 degrees C; 30 s dwell time) and sectioned into cervical, middle, and apical thirds. Push-out bond strength tests were performed (EMIC DL2000; 2.0 kN load cell; 0.5 mm/min), along with confocal laser scanning microscopy to assess the adhesive interface. Failure modes were classified under stereomicroscopy (20 x ), and representative images were obtained via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post-hoc test (alpha = 0.05). The cervical third exhibited the highest bond strength values (p < 0.05), irrespective of the luting material or dentin adhesive protocol. The RDC-AC group presented significantly higher values than RDC, ACC, and ACC-AC, while being statistically similar (p > 0.05) to RU and RU-AC. Adhesive failure between the cement and dentin was the most prevalent, regardless of the root third or cementation protocol. Overall, acid etching of intraradicular dentin positively influenced the adhesion of glass fiber posts.

This study evaluated the effect of F18 bioactive glass applied to gutta-percha by dip-coating or incorporation on surface bioactivity and bond strength to Bio-C Sealer (BCS) and AH Plus (AHP). Gutta-percha discs (n = 3 per group) were dip-coated with F18 bioactive glass at 2.5%, 5%, and 10% by weight and analyzed by SEM and EDS before and after 28 days of immersion in PBS. Uncoated gutta-percha served as the control for analyses. For the tensile bond strength test, twelve specimens per group (n = 12) were prepared using unmodified gutta-percha, 5% F18 dip-coated gutta-percha, or 2% F18-incorporated gutta-percha, each tested with BCS and AHP. Unmodified gutta-percha with each sealer served as the control. Bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine and analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). After PBS immersion, the 5% and 10% dip-coated groups exhibited more pronounced F18 deposition and the formation of continuous bioactive surface layers, whereas the control group showed no such features. Regarding bond strength, the 5% F18 dip-coated gutta-percha showed higher values with BCS compared to the control (p < 0.05), and the 2% F18-incorporated gutta-percha also increased bond strength to BCS versus the control (p < 0.05). For AHP, 5% dip-coating reduced bond strength compared with the control (p < 0.05), whereas 2% incorporation did not differ (p > 0.05). F18 bioactive glass promoted surface mineralization of gutta-percha and improved its bond strength to Bio-C Sealer, whether applied by dip-coating or incorporation.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of immersion in an acidic (butyric acid – BA; pH 4.1) or neutral (phosphate-buffered saline - PBS; pH 7.0) environment on the physical behavior of Bio-C Sealer (BCS) or AH Plus Jet (AHPJ) after filling oval root canals with different thicknesses of sealer. Thirty-two oval root canals were prepared and filled with BCS or AHPJ (n = 16), using the single-cone technique. Greater, middle, and smaller thicknesses of sealer were established in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of the root canals, respectively. Then, the samples were immersed in BA or PBS (n = 8) for time intervals of 7 and 30 days. Micro-CT scans were performed after the materials set and after the experimental time intervals ended. Volumetric change and the percentage of voids and gaps at the material/dentin interface were evaluated. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn, Friedman, Wilcoxon paired, and ANOVA/Tukey tests were performed (α = 0.05). Significant volumetric change and percentage of voids and gaps at the interface of BCS and AHPJ were observed in BA after 30 days (p < 0.05). Both materials showed a higher percentage of voids and volumetric loss in the greater sealer thickness (p < 0.05). Baseline showed a lower percentage of voids and gaps at the interface when compared with the experimental periods (p < 0.05). An acidic environment harms the properties of endodontic sealers after 30 days. The greater sealer thickness negatively affected the volumetric change and presence of voids in oval root canals.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the blooming artifact reduction (BAR) filter (e-Vol DX Software, CDT, Bauru, SP, Brazil) for detecting voids in root canals filled with various sealers, using two CBCT devices and micro-CT as a reference. Twenty mandibular incisors with long-oval root canals were filled with AH Plus Jet (AHPJ) or Bio-C Sealer (BCS). Each tooth was placed in the mandibular alveolar socket of a dry skull, covered with Mix-D material, and scanned with VeraView X800 and OP300 Maxio CBCT devices. Micro-CT images served as a reference. Three calibrated examiners assessed the CBCT scans, without and with the BAR filter (intensity level 1 for OP300 Maxio and level 3 for VeraView X800), for void detection using a 5-point scale. Diagnostic values (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, and specificity) were compared using multi-way analysis of variance (p=0.05). Intra- and inter-observer agreement was evaluated using the weighted Kappa index. For OP300, using BAR filter 1 significantly improved ROC curve values for detecting voids in the apical third with AHPJ and BCS (p<0.05). It also increased specificity for detecting voids in the apical third with AHPJ (p<0.05). For VeraView X800, the ROC curve and sensitivity values were unaffected (p>0.05), but using BAR filter 3 significantly enhanced specificity for detecting voids in the cervical/middle thirds with BCS (p<0.05). The diagnostic performance of the BAR filter is CBCT-device dependent. In OP300 scans, it enhances the detection of voids in the apical third with AHPJ and BCS. In VeraView X800 scans, it improves specificity for detecting voids in the cervical/middle thirds with BCS.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of immersion in butyric acid (BA, pH 4.1) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.0) on the properties of Clinker (CL) with particle sizes of 2 to 30 µm or < 2 µm associated with zirconium oxide and manipulated with distilled water (DW) or liquid with additives (LA) compared with Bio-C Repair (BCR) and Biodentine (BIO). Dentin tubes were prepared and filled with materials. After 24 hours, the specimens were immersed in BA or PBS (n = 5) for 7 and 28 days. Micro-computed tomography was used to evaluate volumetric change, porosity, and material/dentin interface. Surface analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, unpaired t-test, paired t-test, and ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). All groups exhibited volumetric changes similar to BCR and BIO (p > 0.05). BA significantly increased porosity (approximately 8%) compared with PBS (approximately 2%), except for CL 2 to 30 µm with LA (p < 0.05). After 28 days in BA, all groups showed increased porosity and gaps at the interface compared with baseline values (p < 0.05). CL 2 to 30 µm with DW showed greater porosity and interface gaps than the other groups (p < 0.05). SEM analysis revealed that all groups showed hydroxyapatite formation on the material surface in PBS, and structural loss in BA. Findings: Acidic pH damages the material/dentin interface, increases porosity, and promotes dimensional changes in calcium silicate cements. Distilled water without additives increases the Clinker's porosity, interface gaps, and volume loss.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:Teeth with extensive coronal destruction face the challenge of retaining the restorative materials; however, glass fiber posts cemented with resin materials can help to address the issue. The retention of these posts depends on the bond strength to the dentin structure and may vary significantly along the root thirds. PURPOSE:This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different luting materials and root thirds on the bonding strength of glass fiber posts to radicular dentin after hydrothermal aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Seventy bovine incisors were divided into 7 groups (n = 10), according to the luting materials: Panavia V5 (PV5), Rebilda DC (RDC), LuxaCore Z (LCZ), Allcem Core (ACC), RelyX Ultimate (RXU), RelyX U200 (RXU200) or Fuji Plus (FP). After posts cementation, the roots were thermocycled (10,000 cycles; 5-55°C), sectioned into thirds, and tested for push-out bond strength (2.0 kN; 0.5 mm/min). Failure patterns were classified using a stereomicroscope, according to the material and root third. Data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). RESULTS:Bond strength significantly differed among root thirds for PV5, ACC, RXU, and RXU200 (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were found for RDC, LCZ, and FP (p ≥ 0.05). PV5 and RXU exhibited the highest overall bond strength values. PV5 presented means of 14.97 ± 3.68 MPa (cervical), 11.08 ± 3.12 MPa (middle), and 10.47 ± 2.45 MPa (apical), while RXU showed 16.97 ± 4.22 MPa, 16.48 ± 3.61 MPa, and 6.51 ± 1.26 MPa, respectively. Overall, PV5 and RXU demonstrated superior and more consistent bond strength across root thirds, whereas the other cements displayed lower and more heterogeneous results. CONCLUSIONS:The luting material influenced the bond strength of glass fiber posts to intraradicular dentin. Dual-cure resin cements with self-etch adhesive systems that contain functional monomers, such as PV5 and RXU, achieved more predictable adhesion, particularly in deep and complex regions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS:Analysis of bond strength and failure patterns supports clinical decision-making by identifying luting cements with superior retention, even in challenging regions, contributing to greater treatment longevity.

This study evaluated the pH, solubility, and intratubular decontamination of bioceramic intracanal medications Bio-C (R) Temp (BCT), a calcium hydroxide-based paste Calen (R) (CAL), and their associations with 1% Cetrimide (CTR): BCT, CAL, BCT/CTR, CAL/CTR. Polyethylene tubes filled with the medications were used for pH measurement at intervals of 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. Solubility was evaluated after 14 days of immersion in distilled water at 37 degrees C. Bovine dentin tubules contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis were used to assess intratubular decontamination using confocal laser scanning microscopy and Live/Dead BacLight Bacterial dye three days after exposure to the medications and a Control Group using Polyethylene glycol 400. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey tests (p<0.05). CAL/CTR exhibited the highest pH after 1 day (p<0.05). CAL had the highest pH values at 14 and 21 days (p<0.05). BCT showed the lowest pH values at 3 days, and BCT/CTR at 7 and 21 days (p<0.05). The association of CTR did not affect the solubility of the medications (p > 0.05). CAL demonstrated superior intratubular decontamination (p<0.05), while CAL/CTR, BCT, and BCT/CTR showed similar results (p>0.05). The association of 1% cetrimide did not increase the intratubular decontamination of Bio-C (R) Temp and decreased the antibacterial activity of Calen (R). The calcium hydroxide medication in a viscous vehicle exhibited higher alkaline potential, solubility, and intratubular decontamination.

To investigate whether dentin pre-treatment with bioactive glass F18 suspensions modifies dentin surface characteristics and influences the bond strength of bioceramic and epoxy resin-based endodontic sealers. Extracted human root canals were treated with distilled water, PBS or Bioglass F18 suspensions (2.5

To compare the filling ability of long oval root canals with epoxy resin–based and bioceramic sealers, and to assess the influence of two CBCT devices and the blooming artifact reduction (BAR) filter (e-Vol DX Software) on dimensional analysis of root canal fillings, with micro-CT as reference. Mandibular incisors were prepared and filled with AH Plus Jet or Bio-C Sealer, then scanned with VeraView X800 and OP300 Maxio CBCT devices, with micro-CT as the reference. Micro-CT images were analyzed to determine the filling ability of each sealer. Three blinded examiners assessed CBCT images, and dimensional analyses compared measurements before and after BAR filter application. Unpaired t-test, ICC, and ANOVA/Tukey were applied (α = 5

OBJECTIVES:To investigate the physicochemical properties and cellular response of NeoMTA 2 as an endodontic sealer (NMTA2S) and root repair material (NMTA2R) compared to BioRoot RCS (BIR) and MTA Repair HP (MTAHP). MATERIALS AND METHODS:Setting time, flow, radiopacity, and solubility were evaluated based on ISO 6876/2012 standards. Volumetric change was measured using micro-computed tomography. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were used for cell viability and messenger RNA expression assays. RESULTS:NMTA2S had longer setting time than BIR (p < .05), while NMTA2R set longer than MTAHP (p < .05). All materials met ISO 6876 standards for radiopacity and flow, with similar solubility between NMTA2S and BIR, or NMTA2R and MTAHP (p > .05). NMTA2S decreased in volume, while BIR increased (p < .05). Volume changes were similar among root repair materials and immersion media (p > .05). All materials supported PDLSC viability. TNF was upregulated only in NMTA2S with the 6-hour eluate. COL1A1 and SPP1 were upregulated in all groups exposed to the 6-hour eluate. With the 24-hour eluate, only BIR sustained COL1A1 signaling, and did not significantly express SPP1. With the 48-hour eluate, COL1A1 was upregulated in all groups along with ALPL. CONCLUSION:Despite their longer setting times, NMTA2S and NMTA2R exhibited acceptable physicochemical and biological properties. Additionally, NMTA2S and NMTA2R appear to offer distinct advantages towards an osteogenic potential, which provides valuable insights for endodontic or reparative treatment choices. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:This study provides the first evidence of osteogenic gene expression in PDLSCs by NeoMTA 2, as an endodontic sealer and root repair material. The findings highlight NeoMTA 2's distinct biological response at different eluate time points, reinforcing its potential for endodontic and reparative applications.

To develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tool for the automatic segmentation of pulp cavity structures in maxillary premolars teeth on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). One hundred and eleven CBCT scans were divided into training (n = 55), validation (n = 14), and testing (n = 42) sets, with manual segmentation serving as the ground truth. The AI tool automatically segmented the testing dataset, with errors corrected by an operator to create refined 3D (R-AI) models. The overall AI performance was assessed by comparing AI and R-AI models, and thirty percent of the test sample was manually segmented to compare AI and human performance. Time-efficiency of each method was recorded in seconds (s). Statistical analysis included independent and paired t-tests to evaluate the effect of tooth type on accuracy metrics and AI versus manual segmentation. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test was used for time efficiency analysis. A 5% significance level was used for all analyses.The AI tool demonstrated excellent performance with Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) ranging from 88% ± 7 to 93% ± 3 and 95% Hausdorff distances (HD) from 0.13 ± 0.06 to 0.16 ± 0.06 mm. Automated segmentation of maxillary second premolars performed slightly better than that of maxillary first premolars in terms of intersection over union (p = 0.005), DSC (p = 0.008), recall (p = 0.008), precision (p = 0.02), and 95% HD (p = 0.04). The AI-based approach showed higher recall (p = 0.04), accuracy (p = 0.01), and lower 95% HD than manual segmentation (p < 0.001). AI segmentation (42.8 ± 8.4 s) was 75 times faster than manual segmentation (3218.7 ± 692.2 s) (p < 0.001). The AI tool proved highly accurate and time-efficient, surpassing human expert performance.

To evaluate the performance in endodontic retreatment and pericervical dentin preservation using ProDesign Logic (PDL), Reciproc Blue (RB), and WaveOne Gold (WOG) NiTi systems in first (MB1) and second (MB2) mesiobuccal root canals of maxillary molars, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). MB1 and MB2 canals were prepared, filled, and randomized into four groups (n = 8). MB1 were retreated using PDL up to file 40/0.05 or RB R40 (40/0.06), while MB2 were retreated using PDL up to file 35/0.05 or WOG (35/0.06). Micro-CT scans were performed before and after retreatment to assess the remaining filling material, canal transportation, and canal centralization. Dentin removal and remaining dentin were measured at four levels below the furcation through CBCT scans analyzed with the e-Vol DX software, with micro-CT serving as the reference standard. RB was more effective than PDL in removing MB1 filling material, while PDL outperformed WOG in the apical third of MB2 (p < 0.05). Overall, CBCT measurements for dentin removal were consistent with micro-CT in MB1 but occasionally underestimated in MB2 (p < 0.05). A significant reduction in MB2 danger zone dentin thickness below 0.5 mm was observed after retreatment (p < 0.05). RB was more effective in retreating MB1, while PDL was more efficient in the apical third of MB2. A substantial decrease in dentin thickness in the MB2 danger zone was noted after retreatment, regardless of the NiTi system or imaging modality used. Overall, CBCT scans provided consistent assessments of dentin. Selecting appropriate NiTi systems minimizes dentin removal in MB1 and MB2 danger zones, reducing the risk of perforation in the furcation area. CBCT reliably assesses dentin thickness, aiding clinical decisions and improving endodontic retreatment outcomes.

Physicochemical properties, bond strength, and antibiofilm activity of a powder-gel bioceramic endodontic sealer, Sealer Plus BC (SPBC, MK Life, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil), were evaluated in comparison with Bio-C Sealer (BCS, Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil), a reference bioceramic sealer, and AH Plus Jet (AHP, Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany), a standard resin-based sealer. The setting time, pH, solubility, flow, and radiopacity were evaluated in accordance with ISO 6876:2012 standards. Bond strength was measured using the Push-Out test. Antibiofilm activity against Enterococcus faecalis alone or in combination with Candida albicans was assessed using a modified direct contact test with the eluate of fresh sealer (25 mg/mL) and after 24 hours of material setting. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests (α = 0.05). SPBC exhibited higher Setting Time values compared to BCS and lower values compared to AHP (p < 0.05). BCS and SPBC had higher solubility values than 3% (p<0.05). BCS demonstrated flow values higher than those of SPBC and AHP (p<0.05). SPBC showed lower radiopacity (p<0.05) and higher bond strength (p<0.05) than BCS and AHP. SPBC and BCS exhibited alkaline pH throughout all evaluated periods. They demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and/or Candida albicans in the eluate of fresh sealer and 24 hours after setting (p < 0.05). In conclusion, SPBC powder-gel sealer, as a filling material, meets most ISO 6876 standards for physicochemical properties, demonstrates bond strength to dentin, and exhibits antimicrobial activity against both dual and single-specimen biofilms. However, it has a solubility greater than 3%.

Abstract Bioceramic materials are developed based on their biological properties and bioactive potential. NeoSealer Flo (NeoFlo, NuSmile, Houston) is a ready-to-use bioceramic endodontic sealer. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility and bioactivity of NeoFlo compared to Bio-C Sealer (BC, Angelus) and AH Plus (AHP, Dentsply). Methodology The tissue reaction induced by materials in rat subcutaneous tissues was assessed at seven, 15-, 30-, and 60-days post-implantation (n=6/group). The number of inflammatory cells (ICs), fibroblasts, and osteocalcin (OCN)-labelled cells were recorded. Amorphous calcite was identified using the von Kossa method and polarized light. The data were evaluated using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test, with a 5% significance level. OCN data were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis test, with Dunn, Friedman, and Nemenyi post-hoc tests. Results NeoFlo capsules showed higher number of IC than BC and AHP (p<0.05) in all periods, with a reduction over time, and was considered moderate at 60 days. Moreover, significant reduction in the number of IC and an increase in the fibroblasts was accompanied by an increase in the amount of collagen in the capsules around all materials over time. Immunoexpression of OCN was only observed in the capsules of NeoFlo and BC, but the capsules of BC showed the highest values in all periods (p<0.05). Conclusion In the present study, NeoFlo showed lower biocompatibility than BC, however, NeoFlo shows bioactivity in connective tissue.

AimTo develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tool based on convolutional neural network (CNN) for automatic segmentation of root canals in single-rooted teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MethodologyA total of 69 CBCT scans were retrospectively recruited from a hospital database and acquired from two devices with varying protocols. These scans were randomly assigned to the training (n = 31, 88 teeth), validation (n = 8, 15 teeth) and testing (n = 30, 120 teeth) sets. For the training and validation data sets, each CBCT scan was imported to the Virtual Patient Creator platform, where manual segmentation of root canals was performed by two operators, establishing the ground truth. Subsequently, the AI model was tested on 30 CBCT scans (120 teeth), and the AI-generated three-dimensional (3D) virtual models were exported in standard triangle language (STL) format. Importantly, the testing data set encompassed different types of single-rooted teeth. An experienced operator evaluated the automated segmentation, and manual refinements were made to create refined 3D models (R-AI). The AI and R-AI models were compared for performance evaluation. Additionally, 30% of the testing sample was manually segmented at two different times to compare AI-based and human segmentation methods. The time taken by each segmentation method to obtain 3D models was recorded in seconds(s) for further comparison. ResultsThe AI-driven tool demonstrated highly accurate segmentation of single-rooted teeth (Dice similarity coefficient [DSC] ranging from 89% to 93%; 95% Hausdorff distance [HD] ranging from 0.10 to 0.13 mm), with no significant impact of tooth type on accuracy metrics (p > .05). The AI approach outperformed the manual method (p < .05), showing higher DSC and lower 95% HD values. In terms of time efficiency, manual segmentation required significantly more time (2262.4 +/- 679.1 s) compared to R-AI (94 +/- 64.7 s) and AI (41.8 +/- 12.2 s) methods (p < .05), representing a 54-fold decrease. ConclusionsThe novel AI-based tool exhibited highly accurate and time-efficient performance in the automatic root canal segmentation on CBCT, surpassing the human performance.

This study evaluated the addition of calcium tungstate (CaWO4) as a radiopacifier and the manipulation with distilled water (DW) or liquid with additives (LA) on the physicochemical properties of Clinker (CL; Angelus) with different particle sizes (2 to 30 µm and <2 µm), compared to White MTA and MTA Repair HP. Initial and final setting times (ST) were evaluated according to ISO 6876:2012 and ASTM C266-03 standards. Radiopacity was assessed following ISO guidelines, and solubility was evaluated after immersion in distilled water or phosphate-buffered saline for 7 days. The pH was measured using a digital pH meter in 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. ANOVA and Tukey and unpaired t-tests were performed (α=0.05). CL 2 to 30 µm showed shorter initial ST and higher final ST when manipulated with LA (p<0.05). The addition of CaWO4 increased the CL radiopacity for both particle sizes (p<0.05) but did not influence ST, solubility, and pH (p>0.05). All materials presented alkaline pH (p>0.05), especially in 24 hours and 7 days. Regarding the solubility, all groups exhibited mass gain, while White MTA in distilled water demonstrated mass loss (p<0.05). CL 2 to 30 µm + CaWO4 showed greater mass gain and higher radiopacity when manipulated with LA than DW (p<0.05). CL <2 µm manipulated with LA provides a shorter final ST. Both particle sizes positively influence the alkalization capacity of CL, especially in the initial periods. The addition of calcium tungstate and manipulation using LA showed adequate physicochemical properties for clinical application.

NeoSealer Flo (NeoFlo-NuSmile, Houston) is a newly developed, ready-to-use endodontic bioceramic sealer. Cetrimide (CTR) has antimicrobial properties and can be added to endodontic sealers to increase their antimicrobial activity. In this study, the biocompatibility and bioactive potential of BioRoot (TM) RCS (BROOT-Septodont, France) and NeoFl were assessed, both individually and in combination with 1% CTR. Thirty male Holtzman rats, weighing approximately 250-300 g each, were divided into five groups (n = 6/group). Tissue reactions were evaluated after implantation into subcutaneous connective tissue over time intervals of 7, 15, 30, and 60 days. The number of inflammatory cells (ICs), fibroblasts, and immunostained osteocalcin (OCN) cells were measured. Furthermore, the von Kossa reaction was performed. The data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA and the Tukey test with a significance level of 5%. OCN data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis' test, followed by Dunn, Friedman, and Namanya post hoc tests. NeoFlo with the addition of CTR (NeoFlo CTR) exhibited significantly higher ICs compared with NeoFlo at 7 and 60 days (p < 0.05). In 7 days, the collagen content was significantly lower in the BROOT with the addition of CTR (BROOT CTR) compared with BROOT alone (p < 0.0001). All specimens demonstrated a reduction in capsule thickness and IC count from 7 to 60 days, together with a significant increase in fibroblast numbers and birefringent collagen (p < 0.05). NeoFlo showed OCN immunoexpression at all time Intervals, while NeoFlo CTR, BROOT, and BROOT CTR showed this only at 60 days.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the experimental sealers, composed of tricalcium silicate (CaSi) and CaSi supplemented with calcium hypochlorite (CaSi-H), stimulate tissue repair. The tissue response of experimental materials was compared with commercially available materials Bio-C sealer (BC sealer) and BioRoot (BROOT). Polyethylene tubes filled with materials or left empty (controls) were implanted in rats for 7, 15, 30 and 60 days. The number of fibroblasts, mast cells, collagen content, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) immunoexpression were evaluated. Data were analysed with two-way anova and Tukey's test, and linear regression. The fibroblast-FGF correlation was estimated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. In all groups, the number of fibroblasts and collagen content increased significantly over time. At all-time points, CaSi-H and control groups showed the highest values of fibroblasts, whereas the lowest values were observed in BROOT. At 60 days, no significant differences were detected among CaSi, CaSi-H, BC sealer and controls. At all-time points, the capsules of CaSi and CaSi-H exhibited the highest values of FGF-1 and IL-10 immunoexpression. CaSi and CaSi-H induced the formation of fibrous capsules, indicating that these sealers stimulate connective tissue repair.

Abstract To evaluate the pH, solubility and intratubular disinfection of the bioceramic intracanal drug Bio-C® Temp (BCT), calcium hydroxide-based paste Calen® (CAL) and their associations in different proportions: BCT 75% + CAL 25%; BCT 50% + CAL 50%; BCT 25% + CAL 75%. Polyethylene tubes containing the medication, were used. The pH was evaluated after 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days and solubility after 14 days. Bovine dentin tubes were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis to assess intratubular disinfection by using confocal laser scanning microscopy and use of Live/Dead BacLight Bacterial stain. Data were submitted to statistical tests of normality, then ANOVA and Tukey (α = 0.05). BCT showed a lower pH after 3 and 14 days (p < 0.05). CAL had the highest pH at all time intervals (p > 0.05). CAL and associations with BCT showed greater weight loss (p < 0.05). BCT showed intratubular disinfection similar to that of BCT/CAL 25% (p > 0.05). CAL and BCT/CAL at 50% and 75% were similar and had the highest intratubular disinfection values (p > 0.05). Combinations of Bio-C® Temp with 50% or more calcium hydroxide paste provide higher alkalinization, solubility and intratubular disinfection values of the bioceramic medication, favoring its potential for clinical application.