OR05 - Evaluating How Acidic Solutions Affect the Microhardness of Bioceramic Sealer

Introduction: The growing use of bioceramic sealers (BCS) in root canal therapy has presented challenges when retreating BCS cases. Weak acids may be effective in removing BCS and their efficacy as a solvent can be measured by its influence on the microhardness of BCS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the microhardness of BCS in various acidic solutions to assess their use as a solvent for retreatment procedures.

Methods: EndoSequence BC Sealer (Brassler USA) was injected into four 10 mm × 3 mm silicone rings and allowed to set for 48 hours. The BCS disks were then immersed in water, 17% ETDA, 5% acetic acid (AA), and citric acid (CA) for five minutes each. A Vickers microhardness tester was then used to determine the microhardness of the samples. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison tests were conducted to determine significant differences in microhardness according to the various solutions for the BCS material; P < .0001 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results: The average Vickers hardness value for the water, EDTA, AA, and CA were 12.82, 9.22, 8.23, and 3.95 respectfully. CA was statistically significant from all other solutions in its ability to reduce BCS microhardness P < .0001) CA and AA were both statistically significant compared to water (P < .0001). EDTA and AA were not statistically significant from each other P < .6064).

Conclusions: Citric Acid appears to be a promising solvent for retreatment cases involving BCS.