Flow, Filling Ability and Apical Extrusion of New Calcium Silicate-Based Sealers: A Micro-Computed Tomographic Study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate flow, filling ability, and apical extrusion of three calcium silicate-based sealers, Neo MTA Plus (Avalon, USA), Bio-C Sealer (Angelus, Brazil) and Sealer Plus BC (MK Life, Brazil), in comparation with the gold standard based on epoxy resin, AH Plus (Dentsply, Germany). Methodology: The flow was evaluated based on ISO 6876/2012 standard (mm) and in area (mm2 ). For assessment of filling ability and apical extrusion of the sealers, curved artificial canals were prepared up to size 25.06, and filled with the sealers by the single cone technique. The samples were scanned in microcomputed tomography (SkyScan 1272. Bruker, Belgium) after preparation and after filling of the root canals. The percentage of voids throughout the entire extension of the root canals and in the apical third, besides the volume of apical extrusion of each sealer were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA/Tukey tests (α = 0.05). Results: Bio-C Sealer showed the highest flow and NeoMTA Plus had the lowest value (p < 0.05). Bio-C Sealer had lower percentage of total voids than NeoMTA Plus (p < 0.05). AH Plus had greater percentage of voids in the apical third than Bio-C Sealer and Sealer Plus BC (p < 0.05). Bio-C Sealer showed higher volume of extrusion (p < 0.05) than AH Plus and NeoMTA Plus. Conclusion: Bio-C Sealer and Sealer Plus BC had greater flow and proper filling ability in the apical third. However, these sealers presented high volume of apical extrusion. NeoMTA Plus provided less sealer extrusion, low flow, and more presence of voids.