Addition of MTA in a salicylate-based resin root canal sealer to retrograde root-end filling

Aim To evaluate the flow, pH and calcium release of white MTA (WMTA), salicylate-based resin root canal sealer (Sealapex; SEAL) and SEAL containing 10 (SE10) or 20% (SE20) (w/w) of MTA. Methodology Flow test was realized according to ISO 6876 specification. The sealers samples (n= 10) were placed in polyethylene tubes and immersed in deionized water. After 24 hours and 7, 14, and 28 days, the water pH was determined with a pH meter, and calcium release was assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results SEAL and WMTA showed respectively the highest and lowest flow rate when compared with the other materials (P<0.05). SE20 showed the highest pH value only in 24h and 7 days periods (p<0.05). In 14- and 28-days periods, SEAL showed the lowest pH value (p<0.05), but there are no differences between other groups (p>0.05). In all periods, WMTA and SEAL respectively showed the highest and lowest calcium release (p<0.05). Conclusions SE20 proves to be an association with better flow and handling than WMTA, with satisfactory potential for alkalinization and calcium release.