OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated, in several analysis periods, pH and calcium release and antibacterial activity provided by MTA Fillapex sealer compared to Sealapex and AH Plus sealers. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Polyethylene tubes were filled with a sealer and immersed in distilled water. After 24 hours, 14 and 28 days, pH and calcium release by endodontic sealers were evaluated directly in water which the tubes were stored. Sealers antibacterial activity was evaluated against Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus by means of agar diffusion test. All data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). RESULT: In all periods evaluated, Sealapex had the highest pH value (p<0.05) in comparison to other sealers and MTA Fillapex provided higher pH values than AH Plus (p<0.05). In 14-days period, MTA Fillapex had greater calcium release value than Sealapex (p<0.05). In 28-days period, Sealapex provided higher calcium release than MTA Fillapex (p<0.05). In all periods, AH Plus provided lower calcium release than other sealers (p<0.05). In relation to E. faecalis, there were no differences among the sealers, in relation to antibacterial activity (p>0.05). In relation to S. aureus, Sealapex presented better antibacterial effectiveness than the MTA Fillapex and AH Plus (p<0.05), which were similar each other (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In final evaluation period, pH values and calcium release provided by MTA Fillapex were lower than provided by Sealapex and higher than provided by AH Plus. The MTA Fillapex antimicrobial action was similar to other endodontic sealers.
Calcium; endodontics; Enterococcus faecalis; Staphylococcus aureus