Effect of alkaline ph on sealing ability of white mineral trioxide aggregate

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate microleakage of white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) after its exposure to a range of alkaline environments during hydration. Study Design: Seventy single-rooted teeth were divided into 4 experimental and 2 control groups. All the teeth were instrumented, and their apices were resected. Root-end cavities were filled with WMTA in the experimental groups. In the control groups, root-end cavities were not filled. Root-end fillings were exposed to alkaline environments with pH values of 7.4, 8.4, 9.4, or 10.4 for 3 days. Microleakage was evaluated by bovine serum albumin. Evaluations were carried out at 24-hour intervals for 80 days. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and a post hoc Tukey test at the 0.05 level of confidence. Results: The number of days (mean +/- standard deviation) needed for color change at pH values of 7.4, 8.4, 9.4, and 10.4 were 78.53 +/- 5.68, 80.00 +/- 0.00, 68.93 +/- 19.00, and 34.46 +/- 12.73, respectively. The time needed for leakage to occur was significantly shorter in samples stored at a pH value of 10.4 (P<0.001). Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that pH values greater than 9.4 may jeopardize the sealing ability of WMTA during hydration.