Microstructure and chemical analysis of four calcium silicate-based cements in different environmental conditions

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the microstructure and crystalline structures of ProRoot MTA, Biodentine, CEM Cement, and Retro MTA when exposed to phosphate-buffered saline, butyric acid, and blood. Methods and materials: Mixed samples of ProRoot MTA, Biodentine, CEM Cement, and Retro MTA were exposed to either phosphate-buffered saline, butyric acid, or blood. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic(EDX) evaluations were conducted of specimens. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was also performed for both hydrated and powder forms of evaluated calcium silicate cements. Results: The peak of tricalcium silicate and dicalcium silicate detected in all hydrated cements was smaller than that seen in their unhydrated powders. The peak of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) in blood- and acid-exposed ProRoot MTA, CEM Cement, and Retro MTA specimens were smaller than that of specimens exposed to PBS. The peak of Ca(OH)2 seen in Biodentine™ specimens exposed to blood was similar to that of PBS-exposed specimens. On the other hand, those exposed to acid exhibited smaller peaks of Ca(OH)2. Conclusion: Exposure to blood or acidic pH decreased Ca(OH)2 crystalline formation in ProRoot MTA, CEM Cement and Retro MTA. However, a decrease in Ca(OH)2 was only seen when Biodentine™ exposed to acid. Clinical relevance: The formation of Ca(OH)2 which influences the biological properties of calcium silicate cements was impaired by blood and acid exposures in ProRoot MTA, CEM Cement, and Retro MTA; however, in the case of Biodentine, only exposure to acid had this detrimental effect. é 2018 Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature