[An analysis of the composition and evaluation of Pb impurities of four root canal sealers, Grossman's type, made in Greece].

Abstract

The properties and the biocompatibility of root canal sealers, depend on the composition and the purity of their constituents. Four root canal sealers made in Greece are claimed to correspond to the formula proposed by Grossman. The lack of quality control on the production of these materials provided evidence for a systemic composition analysis and an evaluation of their Pb impurities. The analytical methods chosen were X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). According to the results of the study none of the tested root canal sealers agrees with Grossman formula, which was identified in the control sealer. The levels of the Pb were found significantly elevated (80-510 ppm) compared to the control (2 ppm). All these findings indicate the need for the establishment of quality control and the development of strict specifications for the manufacturing of root canal sealers.