MTA versus Portland cement: review of literature

Introduction: Both Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Portland cement (PC) have been highlighted because of their favorable biological properties, with extensive applications in Endodontics, including the possibility of using into root canal filling. Objective: This article reviews literature related to MTA and PC comparing their physical, chemical and biological properties, as well as their indications. Literature review: Literature reports studies revealing the similarities between these materials’ properties, including both biocompatibility and bone repair induction. Moreover, there is the need for the development of a root canal sealer based on these materials (MTA and PC). Conclusion: MTA and CP show promissory perspective both in Dentistry and Endodontics.

Compressive strength and setting time of MTA and portland cement associated with different radiopacifying agents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the compressive strength and setting time of MTA and Portland cement (PC) associated with bismuth oxide (BO), zirconium oxide (ZO), calcium tungstate (CT), and strontium carbonate (SC). Methods. For the compressive strength test, specimens were evaluated in an EMIC DL 2000 apparatus at 0.5 mm/min speed. For evaluation of setting time, each material was analyzed using Gilmore-type needles. The statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA and the Tukey tests, at 5% significance. Results. After 24 hours, the highest values were found for PC and PC + ZO. At 21 days, PC + BO showed the lowest compressive strength among all the groups. The initial setting time was greater for PC. The final setting time was greater for PC and PC + CT, and MTA had the lowest among the evaluated materials (< 0.05). Conclusion. The results showed that all radiopacifying agents tested may potentially be used in association with PC to replace BO.

Ph and antimicrobial activity of portland cement associated with different radiopacifying agents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and pH changes induced by Portland cement (PC) alone and in association with radiopacifiers. Methods. The materials tested were pure PC, PC + bismuth oxide, PC + zirconium oxide, PC + calcium tungstate, and zinc oxide and eugenol cement (ZOE). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion test using the following strains: Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. After 24 hours of incubation at 37°C, inhibition of bacterial growth was observed and measured. For pH analysis, material samples (n=10) were placed in polyethylene tubes and immersed in 10 mL of distilled water. After 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, the pH of the solutions was determined using a pH meter. Results. All microbial species were inhibited by the cements evaluated. All materials composed of PC with radiopacifying agents promoted pH increase similar to pure Portland cement. ZOE had the lowest pH values throughout all experimental periods. Conclusions. All Portland cement-based materials with the addition of different radiopacifiers (bismuth oxide, calcium tungstate, and zirconium oxide) presented antimicrobial activity and pH similar to pure Portland cement.

Portland cement use in dental root perforations: a long term followup

Root canal and furcal perforations are causes of endodontic therapy failure and different materials that stimulate tissue mineralization have been proposed for perforation treatment. In the first case, a patient presented tooth 46 with unsatisfactory endodontic treatment and a periapical radiographic lesion. A radiolucent area compatible with a perforating internal resorption cavity was found in the mesial root. The granulation tissue was removed, and root canals were prepared. The intracanal medication was composed of calcium hydroxide and the perforation cavity was filled with Portland cement. The 11-year followup showed radiographic repair of the tissue adjacent to the perforation and absence of clinical signs and symptoms or periapical lesion. In the second case, a patient presented with edema on the buccal surface of tooth 46. The examination showed a radiolucent area in the furcation region compatible with an iatrogenic perforation cavity. The mesial root canals were calcified, and only the distal root canal was prepared. The cavity was filled with a calcium hydroxide-based paste and the distal root canal was obturated. In sequence, the perforation cavity was filled with Portland cement. The 9-year followup showed the tooth in masticatory function with radiographic and clinical aspects compatible with normality.

Chemical characterization and bioactivity of epoxy resin and Portland cement-based sealers with niobium and zirconium oxide radiopacifiers

The purpose of this study was to characterize and to evaluate the bioactivity potential of experimental root canal sealers (ES) based on Portland cement, epoxy resin with nano- and micro-particles of niobium or zirconium oxide used as radiopacifiers in comparison to AH Plus and MTA Fillapex. Methods Specimens of the sealers (10 mm in diameter × 1 mm thick) were prepared and the radiopacity was evaluated according to ISO 6876 (2012) specifications. Characterization of the sealers was performed under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) immediately after setting and after immersion for 28 days in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS). In addition X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were also performed. The pH and calcium ion release were measured after 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after completion of seating using a digital pH meter and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively. Results The experimental sealers exhibited an average radiopacity of 2.5 mm thickness of aluminum, which was similar to MTA Fillapex (P > 0.05) and inferior to AH Plus (P < 0.05). AH Plus did not show bioactivity. Although the experimental sealers did not exhibit the formation of hydration product, they encouraged the deposition of crystalline spherical structures of calcium deficient phosphate. The highest pH and calcium release values were observed with the experimental sealers (P < 0.01). ES-Nb-micro was the only sealer to present hexagonal shaped crystal deposition. Significance Novel root canal sealers based on a mixture of Portland cement, epoxy resin and radiopacifier exhibited a degree of bioactivity although no evidence of cement hydration was demonstrated on material characterization. The radiopacifier particle size had limited effect on the sealer microstructure and chemical properties.

Análise físico-química do MTA e do cimento Portland associado a quatro diferentes radiopacificadores

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Radiopacity and cytotoxicity of Portland cement associated with niobium oxide micro and nanoparticles

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Use of high-resolution thermogravimetric analysis (HRTG) technique in spent FCC catalyst/Portland cement pastes

Thermogravimetric analysis is one of the most common instrumental techniques used for the characterization of pastes, mortars and concretes based on both calcium hydroxide and Portland cement. Important information about pozzolanic materials can be assessed concerning calcium hydroxide consumption and the formation of new hydrated products. Nevertheless, in some cases, problems associated with the overlapped decomposition processes for hydrates make the analysis of obtained data difficult. In this paper, the use of high-resolution thermogravimetric analysis, a powerful technique that allows separating decomposition processes in analysis of hydrated binders, was performed for spent FCC catalyst-Portland cement pastes. These pastes were monitored for 1, 4, 8 h and 1, 2, 3, 7 and 28 curing days. In order to study the influence of the pozzolanic material (spent FCC catalyst), Portland cement replacements of 5, 15 and 30 % by mass were carried out. The presence of spent FCC catalyst in blended pastes modified the amount and the nature of the formed hydrates, mainly ettringite and stratlingite.

Efeito do cimento Portland modificado e MTA na viabilidade de fibroblastos e produção de ciocinas

Objetivo: o objetivo desse estudo foi investigar os efeitos da nova formulação do Cimento Portland (CPM) comparando-o ao MTA Angelus na viabilidade celular e liberação de IL-1b e IL-6 em fibroblastos de rato. Métodos: tubos de polietileno preenchidos com os materiais estudados foram colocados em placas de cultura celular de 24 poços com fibroblastos de rato. Tubos vazios foram utilizados como controle. Após 24 horas, ensaio MTT foi utilizado para avaliar a viabilidade celular. Para o ensaio de citocinas, fibroblastos de ratos foram incubados em placas de fundo plano de 24 poços com discos dos materiais no fundo, ou sem material, como controle. Após 24 horas, o meio de cultura foi coletado para a avaliação das citocinas pelo ELISA. Resultados: o CPM e MTA Angelus não inibiram a viabilidade celular. Ambos os materiais induziram liberação de IL-6 e IL-1b e a quantidade foi estatisticamente significativa se comparada ao grupo controle. Conclusão: ambos os materiais não foram citotóxicos em cultura de fibroblastos e induziram a liberação de IL-6 e IL-1b.

Reação de tecido subcutâneo ao cimento Portland modificado (CPM)

Introdução: o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a resposta do tecido subcutâneo de ratos a implantes de tubos de polietileno com cimento Portland modificado (CPM) (EGEO S.R.L., Buenos Aires, Argentina) comparado com o MTA Angelus® (Angelus, Londrina/PR). Métodos: esses materiais foram colocados em tubos de polietileno e implantados no tecido conjuntivo dorsal de ratos Wistar por 7, 15, 30, 60 e 90 dias. Os espécimes foram preparados e corados com hematoxilina e eosina ou Von Kossa, ou não corados por luz polarizada. Foram realizadas avaliações quantitativas e qualitativas das reações. Resultados: ambos os materiais causaram reações moderadas em 7 dias, decaindo com o tempo. O MTA Angelus causou reações leves em 15 dias, decaindo com o tempo. A resposta foi similar ao controle em 30, 60 e 90 dias com CPM e MTA Angelus. Foram observadas mineralização e granulações birrefringentes à luz polarizada em ambos os materiais. Conclusões: foi possível concluir que o CPM e o MTA Angelus foram biocompatíveis em modelo de rato e estimularam a mineralização.

Análise da incorporação de resíduos de pás eólicas em cimento portland atrvés de imagens de raios-X

Introdução: Os processos industriais geram grandes quantidades de resíduos, representando um grande desperdício de matéria prima e causando impactos negativos ao meio ambiente. No caso dos resíduos gerados pelas fábricas de pás eólicas para aerogeradores de Sorocaba-S.P., eles podem ser reaproveitados na incorporação em cimento Portland. O interesse é utilizá-los na construção civil como blocos sem fins estruturais para construção de muros, guias, calçadas, pisos, etc. Os corpos confeccionados devem obedecer às normas técnicas brasileiras e as suas propriedades relativas à resistência, compressão, absorção de água e distribuição espacial dos resíduos nestes corpos devem ser avaliadas. Objetivos: Devido à importância de se conhecer as propriedades dos corpos produzidos com a incorporação de resíduos de pás eólicas, este trabalho faz uma avaliação através de imagens de raios X de sua distribuição espacial para verificar a viabilidade do emprego desta técnica no estudo da incorporação de resíduos para, futuramente, em conjunto com outras pesquisas que estão sendo realizadas, verificar a relação desta distribuição com as propriedades mecânicas dos corpos produzidos. Métodos: Objetivando a incorporação desse resíduo como substituto parcial dos agregados miúdos em argamassa, foram fabricados corpos de prova (CPs) seguindo as normas da ABNT-NBR 5738. Todos os corpos foram desmoldados após 24 horas de sua confecção e imersos em água por 28 dias para a cura. Utilizou-se o traço 3:1, areia e cimento, em relação a massa dos componentes, ou seja, para cada 300 g de areia adicionou-se 100 g de cimento. Na confecção de argamassa com resíduo utilizou-se o mesmo traço, porém com a substituição de parte da areia pelo resíduo. Foram fabricados CPs com 5%, 15%, 50% e 0% de resíduo para que este sirva de referência. Como os corpos possuem um formato cilíndrico, foram obtidas imagens em duas projeções: frontal e superior utilizando um equipamento digital com os seguintes parâmetros: 83 kVp e 16 mAs e, 85 kVp e 30 mAs, respectivamente. Resultados: As imagens mostram que na projeção frontal é possível verificar que a distribuição do resíduo nos corpos é homogênea, o que pode proporcionar uniformidade nos resultados de testes de resistência à compressão que serão realizados futuramente. Porém, na projeção superior ainda será necessário um estudo dos parâmetros que deverão ser utilizados no equipamento de raios X para melhorar a sua qualidade. Além disso, métodos de processamento digital de imagens poderão ser aplicados nas imagens para auxiliar na visualização dos resíduos incorporados. Também pode ser visto nas imagens que a forma utilizada para a incorporação do resíduo resulta na sua distribuição uniforme, compatível com o que se deseja neste tipo de incorporação.

Lisianthus vase life after 1-methylcyclopropene and salicylic acid postharvest treatment

This study evaluated the effects of application of 0.5 µl L-1 1-methyl-cyclopropene (1-MCP), 1000 mg L-1 salicylic acid (SA) and the interaction between the two products at room temperature and pre-exposure at 9±2°C for 24 h in maintaining postharvest quality of lisianthus flowers. After applying the treatment, the flowers were kept in jars with water, stored at 24±2°C. The SA treatments proved ineffective, presenting symptoms of phytotoxicity, with high rate of bent neck and yellowing of petals, both at room temperature and in cold storage, and propitiate the emergence of pathogens. The association between 1-MCP in pre-exposure to 9±2°C for 24 h increased the durability of the stems in six days compared to the control treatment, with less symptoms of bent neck and swelling of stems.

Effect of Different Radiopacifying Agents on the Physicochemical Properties of White Portland Cement and White Mineral Trioxide Aggregate

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pH, calcium ion release, setting time, and solubility of white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) and white Portland cement (WPC) combined with the following radiopacifying agents: bismuth oxide (BO), calcium tungstate (CT), and zirconium oxide (ZO). Methods: Fifty acrylic teeth with root-end filling material were immersed in ultrapure water for measurement of pH and calcium release (atomic absorption spectrophotometry) at 3, 24, 72, and 168 hours. For evaluation of setting time, each material was analyzed according to the American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines 266/08. The solubility test was performed according to American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association specification no. 57/2000. Solubility, setting time, and pH values were compared by using analysis of variance and Tukey test, and the values of calcium release were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis and Miller tests. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The pH and calcium release were higher at 3 and 24 hours. WPC was the material with the higher values for both properties. WMTA had the greatest solubility among all materials (P < .05). All radiopacifiers increased the setting time of WPC, and WMTA had the shortest setting time among all materials (P < .05). Conclusions: All materials released calcium ions. Except for WPC/CT at 168 hours, all materials promoted an alkaline pH. On the basis of the obtained results, ZO and CT can be considered as potential radiopacifying agents to be used in combination with Portland cement. (J Endod 2012;38:394-397)

Biocompatibility and setting time of CPM-MTA and white Portland cement clinker with or without calcium sulfate

To evaluate the biocompatibility and the setting time of Portland cement clinker with or without 2% or 5% calcium sulfate and MTA-CPM. Twenty-four mice (Rattus norvegicus) received subcutaneously polyethylene tubes filled with Portland cement clinker with or without 2% or 5% calcium sulfate and MTA. After 15, 30 and 60 days of implantation, the animals were killed and specimens were prepared for microscopic analysis. For evaluation of the setting time, each material was analyzed using Gilmore needles weighing 113.5 g and 456.5 g, according to the ASTM specification Number C266-08 guideline. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test for setting time and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn test for biocompatibility at 5% significance level. Histologic observation showed no statistically significant difference of biocompatibility (p>0.05) among the materials in the subcutaneous tissues. For the setting time, clinker without calcium sulfate showed the shortest initial and final setting times (6.18 s/21.48 s), followed by clinker with 2% calcium sulfate (9.22 s/25.33 s), clinker with 5% calcium sulfate (10.06 s/42.46 s) and MTA (15.01 s/42.46 s). All the tested materials showed biocompatibility and the calcium sulfate absence shortened the initial and final setting times of the white Portland cement clinker

Rat subcutaneous tissue response to MTA Fillapex® and Portland cement

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of rat subcutaneous tissue to MTA Fillapex® (Angelus), an experimental root canal filling material based on Portland cement and propylene glycol (PCPG), and a zinc oxide, eugenol and iodoform (ZOEI) paste. These materials were placed in polyethylene tubes and implanted into the dorsal connective tissue of Wistar rats for 7 and 15 days. The specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and evaluated regarding inflammatory reaction parameters by optical microscopy. The intensity of inflammatory response against the sealers was analyzed by two blinded and previously calibrated examiners for all experimental periods (kappa=0.96). The histological evaluation showed that all materials caused a moderate inflammatory reaction at 7 days, which subsided with time. A greater inflammatory reaction was observed at 7 days in the tubes filled with ZOEI paste. Tubes filled with MTA Fillapex presented some giant cells, macrophages and lymphocytes after 7 days. At 15 days, the presence of fibroblasts and collagen fibers was observed indicating normal tissue healing. The tubes filled with PCPG showed similar results to those observed in MTA Fillapex. At 15 days, the inflammatory reaction was almost absent at the tissue, with several collagen fibers indicating normal tissue healing. Data were analyzed by the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test (?=0.05). Statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was found only between PCPG at 15 days and ZOEI at 7 days groups. No significant differences were observed among the other groups/periods (p>0.05). MTA Fillapex and Portland cement added with propylene glycol had greater tissue compatibility than the PCPG paste.