Micro-CT analysis of filling ability and porosity of root-end filling materials

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Filling ability of retrograde cavity and porosity are important properties for root-end filling materials and may be evaluated by using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Objective To evaluate filling ability and porosity of root-end filling materials using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Material and method Cavities with 1 mm internal diameter and 3 mm depth were prepared in bovine dentin sections by using ultrasonic tips (CVD No. 6.1107-6), and filled by Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA); Sealer 26 (S26) and zinc oxide and eugenol cement (ZOE). Before and after filling, cavities were scanned by using micro-CT (SkyScan 1176). Filling and porosity were analyzed by using CTAn software. Filling ability was calculated based on volumetric percentage of the filled cavity. The number and percentage of closed pores were measured throughout entire extension of the filled cavity (total) and in each third (cervical, middle and apical), by using bi and tridimensional analyses. The filling data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests, and porosity data to Kruskall-Wallis and Dunn tests, at a 5% significance level. Result S26 and ZOE presented higher filling ability than MTA (p<0.05). S26 showed the highest total porosity (number and percentage) (p<0.05). In all thirds after 2D and 3D analyses, porosity was higher for S26 in comparison to MTA and ZOE (p<0.05). Conclusion Although Sealer 26 presented more porosity, the material was associated with a great filling ability. Micro-CT analysis showed no correlation between filling ability and porosity.