Comparative evaluation of radiopacity of MTA Fillapex® endodontic sealer through a digital radiograph system

Resumo

The radiograph represents one of the evaluation tools
of the endodontic procedure. Therefore, radiopacity is an essential
property of filling materials. Objective: To evaluate the MTA
Fillapex® radiopacity, as compared to that of Sealer26®, Sealapex®
and AH Plus®. Material and methods: Five specimens were prepared
from each endodontic sealer, which were then positioned in the
digital sensor (Kodak RVG 6100 – Digital Radiography System)
and radiographed with a Kodak 2200 Intraoral Device Rx System,
operating at 70 Kvp, 10 mV, with an exposition time of 0.071 tenth
of second and a distance of 20 cm from the sensor. The radiopacity
was assessed using the software Image Tool 3.0, which determines
gray shades ranging from 0 to 255 pixels. For statistical analysis,
ANOVA test was used, followed by Tukey’s test at a significance level
of 5%. Results: The MTA Fillapex® presented the lowest radiopacity
between all tested sealers, while AH Plus® was the most radiopaque
one. Sealapex® and Sealer 26® showed intermediate radiopacity
and statistically did not differ from each other. Conclusion: MTA
Fillapex® presented intermediate radiopacity. When compared with
AH Plus®, Sealer 26® and Sealapex® endodontic sealers, it exhibited
the smallest result.