INTRODUCTION:
Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is composed of Portland cement (PC), and a radiopacifier (bismuth oxide).
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the setting time, solubility, pH, calcium ion release and radiopacity of pure Portland cement and its association to four radiopacifiers, (Barium sulfate, bismuth carbonate, bismuth oxide and iodoform), and White MTA (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil).
MATERIAL AND METHOD:
The ratio CP/radiopacifier used was 4:1 by weight (80% Portland cement and 20% radiopacifier). The setting time was evaluated according the specification ADA 57. The solubility was analyzed according to ISO 6876/2001 specification. The pH was evaluated using a digital pHmeter and the release of Ca++ ions by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The radiopacity was measured in millimeters of aluminum (mm/Al). The results were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests using 5% of significance level.
RESULT:
Barium sulfate did not alter the final setting time of the PC. Observed radiopacity was less than the minimum recommended by ADA 57 and ISO 6876/2001 for CP and CP associated with barium sulfate. The PC associated with iodoform showed solubility above the 3% recommended by ISO 6876/2001. All materials provided alkalinization and promoted calcium ion release.
CONCLUSION:
Bismuth carbonate and bismuth oxide provided proper initial setting time, solubility, pH, calcium ion release and radiopacity when combined with CP.
Mineral trioxide aggregate; retrograde obturation; root-end filling materials