Abstract: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been widely used for different reparative procedures in endodontics. The extensive use of this cement for pulp capping, apexifications, apical surgeries, and revascularization is related to its ability to induce tissue repair and to stimulate mineralization. Several research studies have tested modifications in the composition of MTA-based cements in order to enhance their clinical performance. Novel formulations have been introduced in the market with the aim of increasing flowability. Important properties such as appropriate radiopacity and setting time, color stability, alkaline pH, release of calcium ions, and biocompatibility have to be considered in these new formulations. The latest research studies on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of tricalcium silicate-based cements are discussed in this critical review.

Resumo Este estudo ex vivo avaliou o efeito antibacteriano de medicações intracanal em canais radiculares contaminados com Enterococcus faecalis. Cinquenta dentes humanos unirradiculares foram contaminados com E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) e incubados a 37°C durante 21 dias. Os espécimes foram aleatoriamente divididos em diferentes grupos de acordo com a medicação intracanal utilizada: PG-OZ: propilenoglicol ozonizado; HC/PMCC: hidróxido de cálcio/paramonoclorofenol canforado; PG-OZ/CH; CP: controle positivo (sem medicação); e CN: controle negativo (sem contaminação). As amostras foram coletadas após 7 dias (pós-medição) e 14 dias (final). O crescimento bacteriano foi verificado através da contagem das unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC). PG-OZ e HC/PMCC reduziram estatisticamente o número de bactérias quando comparados com o CP nas amostras pós-medição e final, sem diferenças estatísticas entre si. Por outro lado, PG-OZ/HC não reduziu significativamente o número de bactérias em comparação com o CP. Em conclusão, entre as medicações avaliadas, PG-OZ e HC/PMCC foram as mais eficazes contra E. faecalis.

This ex vivo study evaluated the antibacterial effect of intracanal medications in root canals contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis. Fifty single-rooted human teeth were contaminated with E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) and incubated at 37°C for 21 days. The specimens were randomly divided into 5 groups according to the intracanal medication used: OZ-PG: ozonized propylene glycol; CH/CPMC: calcium hydroxide/camphorated paramonochlorophenol; OZ-PG/CH ozonized PG/CH; PC: positive control group (no medication); and NC: negative control group (no contamination). The samples were collected after 7 days (post-medication) and 14 days (final). Bacterial growth was checked by counting the colony-forming units (CFU). OZ-PG and CH/CPMC reduced significantly the CFU counts compared with PC in the post-medication and final samples, with no statistically significant differences among them. On the other hand, OZ-PG/CH did not reduce significantly the number of bacteria compared with PC. In conclusion, among the evaluated medications OZ-PG and CH/CPMC were the most effective against E. faecalis.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a efetividade de 3 solventes em 2 tipos de guta-percha e no Resilon. Os materiais avaliados foram: guta convencional (Endo points), guta termoplastificada (Endo points TP) e cones de Resilon (RE). Amostras circulares medindo 10 mm de diâmetro e 1 mm de espessura foram preparadas, sendo mantidas a 37°C por 48 h. Cada amostra, com o anel metálico, foi pesada em uma balança de precisão a cada 24 h até estabilização da massa, quando a massa inicial era determinada. As amostras (n=7) foram imersas, então, nas soluções solventes avaliadas (eucaliptol, óleo de laranja, e xilol). Após 48 h a 37ºC, as amostras foram pesadas outra vez a cada 24 h, até a estabilização (massa final). A diferença entre a massa final e inicial determinou a capacidade solvente de cada material. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância em nível de significância de 5% e teste de Tukey. Os resultados demonstraram que o xylol foi mais eficaz solvente, especialmente na guta convencional e no Resilon (p<0,05). O eucaliptol e o óleo de laranja foram mais eficazes sobre a guta thermoplastificada em relação aos outros materiais obturadores (p<0,05). Conclui-se que todas as substâncias testadas apresentam ação solvente, contudo, o xilol foi o mais efetivo sobre a guta-percha ou Resilon.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 3 solvents (eucalyptol, orange oil, and xylol) on 2 types of gutta-percha (conventional and thermoplastic) and Resilon. Specimens (10 mm diameter x 1 mm thick; n=7 per condition) were prepared and maintained at 37ºC for 48 h. Each specimen was weighed on a precision scale every 24 h until its mass was stable, at which time the initial mass was determined. Specimens (n=7) were then immersed in the solvent solutions and, after 48 h at 37ºC, they were reweighed at 24- h intervals, until stabilization (final mass). The difference between the final and the initial mass determined the solvent capacity of each solvent. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. The results demonstrated that xylol was the most effective, especially on conventional gutta-percha and Resilon (p<0.05). Eucalyptol and orange oil were more effective on thermoplastic gutta-percha than the other materials (p<0.05). It was concluded that all evaluated substances presented solvent action, but xylol was the most effective on both gutta-percha or Resilon.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o reparo periapical após obturação de canal radicular usando os cimentos Roeko Seal e Epiphany. Sessenta e quatro canais radiculares de dentes de cães foram obturados, divididos em 4 grupos (n=16). Os canais radiculares foram instrumentados com limas tipo K e irrigados com solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 1%. Os canais radiculares foram obturados na mesma sessão usando condensação lateral ativa dos cones e os cimentos: Grupo I - Intra Fill; Grupo II - AH Plus; Grupo III - Roeko Seal e Grupo IV - Sistema Resilon/Epiphany. Após 90 dias, os animais foram mortos e os tecidos a serem avaliados foram processados e corados por hematoxilina e eosina. Para análise histopatológica, os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: processo inflamatório, reabsorção dos tecidos mineralizados e deposição de tecido mineralizado apical. A análise histopatológica demonstrou que o Intrafill teve resultados menos favoráveis em relação ao reparo apical e periapical comparado aos outros cimentos (p<0,05). AH Plus, Roeko Seal e Epiphany demonstraram resultados similares e satisfatórios (p>0,05). Conclui-se que o AH Plus e os materiais Roeko Seal e Epiphany são boas opções para uso clínico em endodontia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate periapical repair after root canal filling with different endodontic sealers. Sixty-four root canals from dog´s teeth were filled, divided into 4 groups (n=16). Root canals were instrumented with K-type files and irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution. Root canals were filled in the same session by active lateral condensation of the cones and sealers: Intrafill, AH Plus, Roeko Seal and Resilon/Epiphany System. After 90 days, the animals were euthanized and the tissues to be evaluated were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. For histopathological analysis, the following parameters were evaluated: inflammatory process, mineralized tissue resorption, and apical mineralized tissue deposition. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that Intrafill had less favorable results in terms of apical and periapical repair, compared to the other sealers (p<0.05). AH Plus, Roeko Seal, and Epiphany sealers had similar and satisfactory results (p>0.05). In conclusion, AH Plus and the materials Roeko Seal and Epiphany are good options for clinical use in Endodontics.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of 5 root-end filling materials (white MTA-Angelus, grey MTA-Angelus, IRM, Super EBA and Sealer 26). Five specimens (10 mm diameter X 1 mm thickness) were made from each material and radiographed next to an aluminum stepwedge varying in thickness from 2 to 16 mm. Radiographs were digitized and the radiopacity of the materials was compared to that of the aluminum stepwedge using VIXWIN 2000 software in millimeters of aluminum (mm Al). Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. Radiopacity values varied from 3 mm Al to 5.9 mm Al. Sealer 26 and IRM presented the highest radiopacity values (p<0.05), while white/grey MTA and Super EBA presented the lowest radiopacity values (p<0.05). The tested root-end filling materials presented different radiopacities, white/grey MTA and Super EBA being the least radiopaque materials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro maximum inhibitory dilution (MID) of two chlorhexidinebased oral mouthwashes (CHX): Noplak®, Periogard®, and one polyhexamethylene biguanide-based mouthwash (PHMB): Sanifill Premium® against 28 field Staphylococcus aureus strains using the agar dilution method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For each product, decimal dilutions ranging from 1/10 to 1/655,360 were prepared in distilled water and added to Mueller Hinton Agar culture medium. After homogenization, the culture medium was poured onto Petri dishes. Strains were inoculated using a Steers multipoint inoculator and dishes were incubated at 37ºC for 24hours. For reading, MID was considered as the maximum dilution of the mouthwash still capable of inhibiting microbial growth. RESULTS: Sanifill Premium® inhibited the growth of all strains at 1/40 dilution and of 1 strain at 1/80 dilution. Noplak® inhibited the growth of 23 strains at 1/640 dilution and of all 28 strains at 1/320 dilution. Periogard® showed inhibited growth of 7 strains at 1/640 dilution and of all 28 strains at 1/320 dilution. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis statistical test, showing significant differences between the mouthwashes evaluated (p<0.05). No significant difference was found between Noplak® and Periogard® (p>0.05). Sanifill Premium® was the least effective (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that CHX-based mouthwashes present better antimicrobial activity against S. Aureus than the PHMB-based mouthwash.

A Diluição Inibitória Máxima (DIM) de anti-sépticos bucais à base de triclosan contra 28 cepas de Staphylococcus aureus foi avaliada. Diluições de 1/10 a 1/655.360 foram preparadas. As cepas foram inoculadas com inoculador multipontual Steers. A DIM foi a maior diluição do anti-séptico que inibiu crescimento microbiano. Os anti-sépticos apresentaram diferentes DIMs.

The maximum inhibitory dilution (MID) of triclosan-based mouthwashes against 28 Staphylococcus aureus strains was evaluated. Dilutions ranging from 1/10 to 1/655,360 were prepared. Strains were inoculated using a Steers multipoint inoculator. The MID was considered as the maximum dilution capable of inhibiting microorganism growth. The mouthwashes presented different MIDs.

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the maximum inhibitory dilution (MID) of four cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)-based mouthwashes: CPC+Propolis, CPC+Malva, CPC+Eucaliptol+Juá+Romã+Propolis (Natural Honey®) and CPC (Cepacol®), against 28 Staphylococcus aureus field strains, using the agar dilution method. Decimal dilutions ranging from 1/10 to 1/655,360 were prepared and added to Mueller Hinton Agar. Strains were inoculated using Steers multipoint inoculator. The inocula were seeded onto the surface of the culture medium in Petri dishes containing different dilutions of the mouthwashes. The dishes were incubated at 37ºC for 24 h. For readings, the MID was considered as the maximum dilution of mouthwash still capable of inhibiting microbial growth. The obtained data showed that CPC+Propolis had antimicrobial activity against 27 strains at 1/320 dilution and against all 28 strains at 1/160 dilution, CPC+Malva inhibited the growth of all 28 strains at 1/320 dilution, CPC+Eucaliptol+Juá+Romã+Propolis inhibited the growth of 2 strains at 1/640 dilution and all 28 strains at 1/320 dilution, and Cepacol® showed antimicrobial activity against 3 strains at 1/320 dilution and against all 28 strains at 1/160 dilution. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis test, showing that the MID of Cepacol® was lower than that determined for the other products (p<0.05). In conclusion, CPC-mouthwashes showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and the addition of other substances to CPC improved its antimicrobial effect.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a distribuição microbiana no sistema de canais radiculares após indução de lesões periapicais em dentes de cães por diferentes métodos. Cinqüenta e dois canais radiculares foram divididos em 4 grupos (n=13). Grupos I e II: canais radiculares foram expostos por 180 dias; grupos III e IV: canais radiculares foram expostos por 7 dias e então as aberturas coronárias foram seladas por 53 dias. Os ápices radiculares dos grupos I e III foram arrombados, enquanto os dos grupos II e IV foram mantidos intactos. Após os períodos experimentais, os animais foram mortos e as peças foram processadas e coradas pelo método de Brown e Brenn para avaliação da presença ou ausência e distribuição dos microrganismos. A incidência de microrganismos nas diferentes regiões das raízes e lesões periapicais foi analisada estatisticamente pelo Teste Qui-Quadrado em nível de 5% de significância. Todos os grupos apresentaram microrganismos em todo o sistema de canais radiculares. Um maior número de microrganismos foi observado nas paredes do canal radicular, delta apical e túbulos dentinários, seguido pelo cemento e áreas de reabsorção cementária. Apesar de utilizar diferentes períodos de exposição dos canais radiculares ao meio bucal, os métodos usados para indução das lesões periapicais permitiram semelhante distribuição de microrganismos no sistema de canais radiculares (p>0,05).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial distribution in the root canal system after periapical lesion induction in dogs' teeth using different methods. Fifty-two root canals were assigned to 4 groups (n=13). Groups I and II: root canals were exposed to the oral cavity for 180 days; groups III and IV: root canals were exposed for 7 days and then the coronal openings were sealed for 53 days. The root apices of groups I and III were perforated, while those of groups II and IV remained intact. After the experimental periods, the animals were euthanized and the anatomic pieces containing the roots were processed and stained with the Brown & Brenn method to assess the presence and distribution of microorganisms. The incidence of microorganisms at different sites of the roots and periapical lesions was analyzed statistically by the chi-square test at 5% significance level. All groups presented microorganisms in the entire root canal system. A larger number of microorganisms was observed on the root canal walls, apical delta and dentinal tubules (p<0.05), followed by cementum and cemental resorption areas. In spite of the different periods of exposure to the oral environment, the methods used for induction of periapical periodontitis yielded similar distribution of microorganisms in the root canal system.

O objetivo deste estudo foi a avaliação de diferentes métodos de indução de lesões periapicais. Cinqüenta e seis canais radiculares de dentes de cães foram divididos em 4 grupos. No GI (n=14) e no GII (n=14), os canais radiculares foram expostos à cavidade bucal por 180 dias; no GIII (n=14) e no GIV (n=15) os canais radiculares foram expostos por 7 dias e então as aberturas coronárias foram restauradas e permaneceram seladas por 53 dias. Os ápices radiculares do GI e GIII foram perfurados, enquanto os do GII e do GIV foram mantidos intactos. Após indução das lesões periapicais, os cães foram mortos. Cortes seriados foram obtidos e corados por hematoxilina e eosina. Os dados da análise histopatológica foram submetidos ao teste de Kruskal-Wallis e Dunn com nível de significância de 5%. A reação inflamatória periapical e reabsorção dos tecidos mineralizados foram menos intensos no GII que nos demais grupos (p<0,05). Não houve diferença histopatológica entre as lesões periapicais induzidas nos dentes com selamento coronário. Por outro lado, quando o selamento coronário não foi realizado, maior intensidade de lesão periapical induzida foi observada nos dentes com perfuração apical.

This study evaluated histopathologically different methods of experimental induction of periapical periodontitis. The radiographic and microbiological evaluations have been performed in a previous investigation. Fifty-seven root canals from dogs' teeth were assigned to 4 groups. In GI (n=14) and GII (n=14), the root canals were exposed to oral environment for 180 days; in GIII (n=14) and GIV (n=15) the root canals were exposed for 7 days and then the access cavities were restored and remained sealed for 53 days. The root apices of GI and GIII were perforated, whilst those of GII and GIV remained intact. After induction of periapical periodontitis, the dogs were euthanized. Serial sections were obtained and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Data of the histopathological evaluation were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests at 5% significance level. The inflammatory periapical reaction and resorption of mineralized tissues were less intense in GII than in the other groups (p<0.05). There was no histopathological difference among the experimentally induced periapical lesions in the teeth with coronal sealing. On the other hand, when coronal sealing was not performed, greater intensity of induced periapical periodontitis was observed in the teeth with apical perforation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the thermoplasticity of three commercial brands of gutta-percha (Tanari, Dentsply 0.06, and Roeko), and of the TC system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized specimens were fabricated from the materials to be evaluated. Specimens were placed in water at 70ºC for 60 seconds. Following that, they were positioned between two glass slabs and each set was compressed by a 5kg weight. Images of the specimens before and after compression were digitized and analyzed by the Image Tool software. The flow capacity of each material was confirmed by the difference between the initial and final areas of each sample. RESULTS: The resulting data were analyzed by ANOVA. The TC system presented the greatest thermoplasticity values (p<0.05). Among the gutta-percha cones, the Roeko brand showed higher thermoplasticity than the others (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The gutta-percha from TC system present good thermoplasticity capacity.

O objetivo deste estudo foi a avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana de diferentes marcas e composições de cones de guta-percha e pastas à base de hidróxido de cálcio utilizados em endodontia. Os materiais avaliados foram: cones de guta-percha contendo hidróxido de cálcio (RoekoTM), cones de guta-percha contendo clorexidina (RoekoTM), duas marcas de cones de guta-percha (Endo PointsTM e RoekoTM) e duas pastas à base de hidróxido de cálcio (CalenTM e Calen/PMCC TM). Os testes antimicrobianos incluíram 5 espécies de microrganismos: Escherichia coli (ATCC10538), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC12228), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853) e Micrococcus luteus (ATCC9341). O método empregado foi o de difusão em Ágar. As placas foram mantidas em temperatura ambiente por 2 horas para pré-difusão e então incubadas a 37°C por 24 horas. O gel de cloreto de trifeniltetrazólio foi acrescentado para otimização e as zonas de inibição foram medidas. A análise estatística foi realizada pela análise de variância e pelo teste de Tukey. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que todas as espécies microbianas usadas foram inibidas pelos cones de guta-percha com clorexidina e pelas pastas à base de hidróxido de cálcio (CalenTM e Calen/PMCC TM), com resultados similares entre os materiais (p > 0.05). Nenhuma atividade antimicrobiana foi observada para os demais grupos. Concluiu-se que os cones de guta-percha com clorexidina apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana, enquanto os cones com hidróxido de cálcio não demonstraram esta propriedade.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different trademarks and compositions of gutta-percha points and calcium hydroxide pastes used in endodontic therapy. The evaluated material consisted of gutta-percha points containing calcium hydroxide (RoekoTM), gutta-percha points containing chlorhexidine (RoekoTM), two convencional gutta-percha points (Endo PointsTM and RoekoTM) and two calcium hydroxide pastes (CalenTM and Calen/PMCC TM). Antimicrobial tests included five species of microorganisms: Escherichia coli (ATCC10538), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC12228), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853), and Micrococcus luteus (ATCC9341). The Agar difusion method was employed. The plates were kept at room temperature for 2 h for prediffusion and then incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The triphenyltetrazolium chloride gel was added for optimization and the zones of inhibition were measured. Statistical evaluation was carried out using analysis of variance and Tukey Test. The obtained results showed that all microbial species used in the study were inhibited by the gutta-percha points containing chlorhexidine and by the calcium hydroxide pastes (CalenTM and Calen/PMCC TM), with similar results (p > 0.05). No antimicrobial activity was observed for the other groups. It was concluded that the gutta-percha points containing chlorhexidine presented antimicrobial activity, whereas the gutta-percha points containing calcium hydroxide did not.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito antimicrobiano do preparo biomecânico com diferentes soluções irrigadoras. Foram utilizados 78 canais radiculares de pré-molares de 4 cães. Após indução experimental das lesões periapicais, os canais radiculares foram preparados utilizando as seguintes soluções irrigadoras: grupo 1) hipoclorito de sódio a 2,5% (NaOCl); grupo 2) clorexidina a 2% (CHX); grupo 3) soro fisiológico. No grupo 4 (controle) não foi realizado preparo biomecânico. A avaliação microbiológica do canal radicular foi realizada pela contagem de unidades formadoras de colônia, em ufc, nos diferentes meios de cultura. Foram utilizados 2 cones de papel absorvente em cada canal radicular para a realização da colheita microbiológica antes e 30 dias após o preparo biomecânico. As placas de cultura foram incubadas em ambiente de aerobiose, anaerobiose e microaerofilia. A avaliação estatística foi realizada pela análise de variância complementada pelo teste de Tukey e de Student. Os resultados demonstraram que houve redução dos microrganismos nos grupos NaOCl e CHX (p<0,05), com maior efetividade para a solução de clorexidina. Os grupos que utilizaram solução fisiológica e controle apresentaram aumento do número de microrganismos. Concluiu-se que o emprego de soluções irrigadoras antimicrobianas durante o preparo biomecânico promove a redução da microbiota endodôntica. No entanto foi ainda possível observar um considerável número de microrganismos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of biomechanical preparation using different irrigating solutions. Seventy-eight root canals from premolars of four dogs were used. After experimental induction of periapical lesions, the root canals were prepared using the following solutions for irrigation: Group 1) 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); Group 2) 2% chlorhexidine (CHX); Group 3) saline solution and Group 4) control group with no biomechanical preparation. The microbiological evaluation of the root canals was performed by counting the colony forming units (CFUs) using different culture mediums. Two absorbent paper cones were used in each root canal in order to collect the microbiological samples before, and thirty days after the biomechanical preparation. The culture plates were incubated in aerobic, anaerobic and microaerophilic environment. Statistical evaluation was carried out using analysis of variance, Tukey and Student tests. The results demonstrated that there was reduction in the number of microorganisms in the NaOCl and CHX groups (p<0.05). There was greater effectiveness in the chlorhexidine group. The group that used saline solution and the control group presented an increased number of microorganisms. It can be concluded that the use of antimicrobial irrigating solutions during biomechanical preparation promotes the reduction of endodontic microbiota. However, a considerable number of microorganisms were still observed.

Tem sido demonstrada a incompatibilidade de materiais alcalinos com a solução corante de azul de metileno utilizada em testes de infiltração marginal. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a influência de diferentes soluções corantes na avaliação do selamento apical proporcionado pelo agregado de trióxido mineral. Cinqüenta e seis caninos humanos extraídos tiveram seus canais radiculares instrumentados e obturados. Após a secção da porção apical, cavidades retrógradas foram preparadas e os dentes divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos experimentais (n = 13) e dois controles (n = 2). Foram utilizados os seguintes materiais retrobturadores: grupos 1 e 2 - Pro Root MTA (Dentsply); grupos 3 e 4 - cimento de óxido de zinco e eugenol (OZE). Em seguida, os dentes dos grupos 1 e 3 foram imersos em solução de Azul de Metileno a 2% e dos grupos 2 e 4 em solução de Rodamina B a 0,2% por 48 horas em ambiente com vácuo. Decorrido este período, os dentes foram seccionados longitudinalmente, e a infiltração marginal foi analisada. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística (Análise de variância e teste de Tukey). Os resultados demonstraram que o Grupo 1 apresentou menor infiltração apical que os demais (p < 0,05). Conclui-se que a avaliação da capacidade seladora do MTA é influenciada pela solução corante, uma vez que o mesmo apresentou melhores resultados com o Azul de Metileno e infiltração marginal semelhante à do OZE quando avaliado em solução de Rodamina B.

Alkaline materials have shown incompatibility with methylene blue dye in leakage experiments. The goal of the present study was to analyze the effect of different dyes on the evaluation of the apical sealing ability of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate root-end fillings. Fifty-six extracted human canines were submitted to root canal instrumentation and obturation. After apical resection, retrograde cavities were prepared and teeth were randomly divided into four experimental (n = 13) and two control groups (n = 2). The following root-end filling materials were used: groups 1 and 2 - Pro Root MTA (Dentsply), groups 3 and 4 - zinc oxide-eugenol cement (ZOE). Teeth in groups 1 and 3 were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution, while teeth in groups 2 and 4 were immersed in 0.2% rhodamine B in a reduced pressure environment for 48 hours. Teeth were then longitudinally sectioned and leakage was evaluated. Results were submitted to statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey's test). Group 1 presented the least leakage (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the evaluation of the sealing ability of MTA is influenced by the dye used, since this material presented better sealing ability when evaluated with Methylene Blue, but was similar to ZOE when evaluated with rhodamine B.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a radiopacidade de cimentos endodônticos à base de óxido de zinco e eugenol (Endofill), hidróxido de cálcio (Sealapex), resina (Sealer 26 e AH Plus) e silicone (Roeko Seal). Os corpos de prova foram padronizados com 10 milímetros de diâmetro e 1 milímetro de espessura e radiografados conjuntamente com uma escala de alumínio empregando-se filmes oclusais, de acordo com as Normas ISO 6876/2001. As radiografias foram digitalizadas e as radiopacidades dos cimentos comparadas à escala de alumínio com diferentes espessuras, utilizando o software VIXWIN 2000. Os resultados demonstraram que o AH Plus foi o cimento mais radiopaco e o Sealapex apresentou menor radiopacidade (p<0,05), sendo intermediários os resultados para os cimentos Roeko Seal, Endofill e Sealer 26. Sealapex apresenta menor radiopacidade que outros tipos de cimentos endodônticos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of a zinc oxide and eugenol-based (Endofill), a calcium hydroxide-based (Sealapex), two resin-based (Sealer 26 and AH Plus), and a silicone-based root canal sealer (Roeko Seal). Specimens, measuring 10mm in diameter and 1mm in thickness, were radiographed simultaneously with an aluminum step wedge using occlusal films, according to ISO 6876/2001 standards. Radiographs were digitized, and the radiopacity of sealers was compared to the different thicknesses of the aluminum step wedge, using the VIXWIN 2000 software. Results demonstrated that AH Plus was the most radiopaque sealer, while Sealapex was the least radiopaque (p<0.05). Roeko Seal, Endofill and Sealer 26 presented intermediate radiopacity values. Sealapex presented less radiopacity than the other types of root canal sealers.