Effect of heat application on chemical properties of bioactive endodontic sealers

Objective: Most recently introduced bioactive endodontic sealers have enhanced physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties. The use of bioactive endodontic sealers and warm gutta percha obturation techniques has increased in clinical practice. In our study, we aimed to assess the chemical changes of bioactive root canal sealers induced by heat. Material and methods: A resin based root canal sealer AH Plus and bioactive root canal sealers MTA Fillapex and CeraSeal were tested. The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to determine the constituents. The effects of various temperatures (37°C, 100°C ve 200°C applied for 1 min) during warm gutta percha techniques were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results : All tested materials had elements that were not disclosed in their info sheets. AH Plus and CeraSeal had traces of aluminium, MTA Fillapex of sulphur. According to the infrared spectroscopy results; the applied temperatures did not change the chemical properties of MTA Fillapex and CeraSeal. Spectral changes were evident in AH Plus sealer. Conclusion: The choice of sealer should be considered when selecting the obturation technique. Bioactive endodontic sealers were found suitable for warm gutta percha obturation techniques. Key words: Bioactive endodontic sealers, warm gutta percha obturation, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.