Characterization and Assessment of Physical Properties of 3 Single Syringe Hydraulic Cement–based Sealers

A number of sealers with different chemistries are badged as Bioceramic implying biological activity but have dissimilar properties which has implications on the sealer properties and will affect the quality and outcome of root canal treatment. This study aims to assess the physical and chemical properties of three hydraulic cement-based sealers namely - BC Universal sealer, compared to Totalfill BC sealer and AH Plus Bioceramic METHODS: The microstructure and composition of the sealers were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) after setting. The crystalline phases were assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and the leachates were tested using inductively coupled plasma (ICP). All testing was performed at 0, 7 and 28 days. The physical properties film thickness, flow, radiopacity, solubility were evaluated using ISO 6876:2012 standards.All three sealers contained calcium, zirconium and silicon. Totalfill BC had the highest calcium release at 7 and 28 days followed by AH Plus Bioceramic and BC Universal sealer. All three sealers adhered to the ISO standard in terms of flow and radiopacity. BC Universal sealer was slightly over the range (>50 μm) for film thickness. All sealers exceeded the solubility range set by ISO 6876:2012.Although these hydraulic cement sealers had similar components and delivery, the properties varied significantly. The testing of material properties to confirm the suitability for clinical use is necessary.