Evaluation of pH and calcium ion diffusion from MTA Fillapex and Sealapex through simulated external root resorption -An In Vitro Study

Objectives: To evaluate in-vitro, the pH and calcium ion diffusion from MTA Fillapex and Sealapex through simulated external root resorption. Materials and Method: Thirty single rooted mandibular premolars were divided into three groups of ten teeth each. Access openings were done and canals were instrumented by crown down technique. To simulate external root resorption, standardized defects were created. RDT was evaluated using Digital Radiovisiography. The root canal and external defects were irrigated followed by thorough drying with paper points. In group I, MTA Fillapex (Angelus) and in group II, Sealapex (Sybron Endo) was used as root canal sealer. In group III, pulp space was not filled with any material. All root canals were obturated with F2 cones (Dentsply). The teeth were sealed with three coats of nail varnish except at the defect. Each tooth was immersed in a vial containing 10 ml of HPLC water and stored in incubator at 37°C. The Ca2+ concentrations and pH values of the immersion media were measured at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and by pH meter respectively. The results were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Results: The mean pH and Calcium values of Sealapex (group II) exhibited very high significant values (p < 0.001) at all evaluation periods. Conclusion: Sealapex provided highest pH and calcium release as compared to other groups (p < 0.001).