Physicochemical and Biological Properties of AH Plus Bioceramic

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and biological properties of AH Plus Bioceramic (AHPB; Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC) in comparison to AH Plus (AHP, Dentsply Sirona) and EndoSequence BC Sealer (BC; Brasseler, Savannah, GA).

Methods: The setting time, radiopacity, flow, solubility, calcium ion release, and pH were evaluated following ISO guidelines. Surface characterization and chemical constitution were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The antibacterial effect was tested against Enterococcus faecalis. Sealer cytotoxicity was tested using the XTT cell viability assay. Analysis of variance, Tukey, and unpaired t tests were used with a significance level of 5%.

Results: The initial setting time of AHPB was shorter than AHP and BC (P ≤ .0001), whereas AHP showed a shorter final setting time (P ≤ .0001). AHPB was more radiopaque than BC (P = .0012) but less radiopaque than AHP (P = .0001). AHPB was more soluble than AHP (P ≤ .0001), whereas no difference was observed between AHPB and BC (P > .05). Immersion in phosphate-buffered saline decreased the solubility of AHPB and BC (P ≤ .005). AHPB calcium ion release was higher than AHP (P ≤ .05) but less than BC (P ≤ .0001). AHPB had the highest flow followed by AHP and BC (P > .05). All sealers were alkaline and able to eradicate E. faecalis. Surface morphology and chemical composition of all sealers changed after immersion in water and phosphate-buffered saline. Cell viability for AHPB and BC was higher than AHP (P ≤ .0001).

Conclusions: AHPB presented adequate properties to be considered a good sealer, however, the high solubility may negatively impact the quality of the obturation.

Keywords: AH Plus Bioceramic; biological properties; endodontic sealer; physicochemical properties.