Chemical-physical properties of TheraCal, a novel light-curable MTA-like material for pulp capping

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the chemical-physical properties of TheraCal, a new light-curable pulp-capping material composed of resin and calcium silicate (Portland cement), compared with reference pulp-capping materials (ProRoot MTA and Dycal).

Methodology: Calcium (Ca) and hydroxyl (OH) ion release over 28 days, solubility and water uptake (weight percentage variation, Δ%) at 24 h, cure depth and radiopacity of TheraCal, ProRoot MTA and Dycal were evaluated. Statistical analysis (P < 0.05) of release of ion was carried out by two-way repeated measures anova with Tukey, whilst one-way anova with Tukey test was used for the other tests.

Results: TheraCal released significantly more calcium than ProRoot MTA and Dycal throughout the test period. TheraCal was able to alkalinize the surrounding fluid initially to pH 10-11 (3 h-3 days) and subsequently to pH 8-8.5 (7-14 days). TheraCal had a cure depth of 1.7 mm. The solubility of TheraCal (Δ-1.58%) was low and significantly less than that of Dycal (Δ-4.58%) and ProRoot MTA (Δ-18.34%). The amount of water absorbed by TheraCal (Δ +10.42%) was significantly higher than Dycal (Δ +4.87%) and significantly lower than ProRoot MTA (Δ +13.96%).

Conclusions: TheraCal displayed higher calcium-releasing ability and lower solubility than either ProRoot MTA or Dycal. The capability of TheraCal to be cured to a depth of 1.7 mm may avoid the risk of untimely dissolution. These properties offer major advantages in direct pulp-capping treatments.