Comparison of MTA Fillapex radiopacity with five root canal sealers

Resumo

Introduction: The endodontic sealer is a filling material whose
physicochemical properties are mandatory for the achievement of
endodontic therapy final goal. An ideal endodontic sealer should
have some properties, including radiopacity. Objective: This study
compared MTA Fillapex™ radiopacity with the radiopacity of five
others endodontic sealers: Endométhasone-N™, AH Plus™, Acroseal™,
Epiphany SE™ and RoekoSeal™. Material and methods: Five
cylindrical samples of each sealer were used, constructed with the
aid of a matrix. On an occlusal film, a sample of each sealer was
placed along with an aluminum stepwedge and five radiographic
shots were taken. The radiographic images were digitized and
each sample’s gray scales were compared with each shade of the
aluminum stepwedge, by using software. Results: The results, in
decreasing order of radiopacity, were: AH Plus™ was statistically
the most radiopaque sealer (9.4 mm Al), followed by Epiphany SE™
(7.8 mm Al), MTA Fillapex™ (6.5 mm Al), RoekoSeal™ (5.8 mm Al),
Endométhasone-N™ (4.5 mm Al), and Acroseal™, the least statistically
radiopaque (3.5 mm Al). Conclusion: It can be concluded that MTA
Fillapex™ was the third most radiopaque sealer among all tested
sealers. Also, MTA Fillapex™ has the radiopacity degree in agreement
with ADA specification No. 57 (1983).