Influence of radiopaque fillers on physicochemical properties of a model epoxy resin-based root canal sealer

Abstract

Objective: To verify the influence of radiopaque fillers on an epoxy resin-based sealer. Material and Methods: Experimental sealers were formulated by adding 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% and 120% of calcium tungstate, ytterbium trifluoride or barium sulphate by weight to an epoxy-resin-base. Setting time, flow, film thickness, radiopacity, sorption, solubility, pH and push-out bond strength were evaluated. Results: The setting time ranged from 373 to 612.66 min, the flow varied from 13.81 0.49 to 22.49 0.37 mm, and the film thickness ranged from 16.67 5.77 to 33.33 11.54 um. The lowest pH was 5.47 0.53, and the highest was 6.99 00.3. Radiopacity varied from 0.38 0.04 to 2.57 0.21 mmAl and increased with the amount of filler. Calcium tungstate sealers had a higher sorption and solubility than other sealers. There was no significant difference in the push-out bond strength among the fillers at the 120% concentration. Conclusion: The inorganic fillers evaluated and their concentrations affect the physicochemical properties of an epoxy resin-based root canal sealer.