The study used polyethylene tubes as the sample containers. The tubes were 10 mm in diameter and 3 mm in height.
The sealers evaluated in the study were:
o Endosequence (Bioceramic sealer)
o BioRoot RCS
o MTA Fillapex
o Resin sealer (AH Plus)
Methodology:
1. Sample Preparation:
The polyethylene tubes were cut into smaller sections of equal dimensions (10 mm diameter, 3 mm height). The size of each sample tube was pre-measured using a digital vernier caliper. The tubes were pre-weighed using a digital weighing balance (SEPTECH precision balance) to select tubes with similar weights.The tubes were divided into four experimental groups, with 20 tubes assigned to each group.
2. Sealer Placement:
(a) Endosequence(Bioceramic sealer)
Endosequence is a premixed, injectable bioceramic sealer with a smooth, creamy paste-like consistency. This sealer is provided in a ready-to-use formulation and does not require any mixing. It can be directly dispensed from the syringe. The sealer is transferred by slowly extruding it from the syringe into the polyethylene tubes. The Endosequence sealer is gently packed into the tubes using a plugger or a similar instrument to ensure complete filling without voids.
(b) BioRoot RCS:
BioRoot RCS is a calcium silicate-based sealer with a smooth, homogeneous paste-like consistency. The powder and liquid components of BioRoot RCS are mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually in a 3:1 powder-to-liquid ratio, to obtain a creamy, smooth consistency. The mixed BioRoot RCS sealer is transferred to the polyethylene tubes using a suitable delivery instrument, such as a lentulo spiral or a syringe. The BioRoot RCS sealer is carefully packed into the tubes, ensuring complete and uniform filling.
(c) MTA Fillapex:
MTA Fillapex is a salicylate resin-based sealer with a thick, putty-like consistency. The two-paste components of MTA Fillapex are mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. The mixed MTA Fillapex sealer is transferred to the polyethylene tubes using a suitable delivery instrument, such as a plastic filling instrument or a syringe. The MTA Fillapex sealer is gently packed into the tubes, ensuring complete and uniform filling.
(d) Resin sealer (AH Plus):
AH Plus is an epoxy resin-based sealer with a smooth, creamy paste-like consistency.The base and catalyst components of AH Plus are mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually in a 1:1 ratio, until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.The mixed AH Plus sealer is transferred to the polyethylene tubes using a suitable delivery instrument, such as a syringe or a mixing pad and a filling instrument.The AH Plus sealer is carefully packed into the tubes, ensuring complete and uniform filling without any voids.
The tubes were left in an incubator at 37°C and 100% humidity until the sealers were completely set.
3. Sample preparation:
Each disc (sample) was tied with an impermeable nylon thread to prevent damage during weighing.
4. Initial Weight Measurement (W0):
The initial weight of each disc was measured using the SEPTECH precision balance digital machine.
5. Immersion in Deionized Water:
Each sample was immersed in 20 ml of deionized water for 1, 7, 14, and 28 days. The samples were kept in an incubator at 37°C and 100% humidity during the immersion period.
Evaluation of Solubility:
After each immersion period (1, 7, 14, and 28 days), the discs were removed from the solution, dried with blotting paper, and left undisturbed for 24 hours to ensure complete drying. The discs were then weighed again using the SEPTECH precision balance (Wf1, Wf7, Wf14, Wf28).The solubility (%) was calculated using the formula: Solubility (%) = (W0-Wf)/Wf × 100
Assessment of Calcium Ion Release:
After the polyethylene tube samples were immersed in deionized water for 1, 7, 14, and 28 days, the solutions containing the leached ions were collected for analysis. The Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (model AA-6300, Shimadzu) was used to quantify the amount of calcium ions released from the sealer samples into the deionized water over the different time intervals (1, 7, 14, and 28 days). Prior to the analysis, the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer instrument was calibrated using standard calcium solutions of known concentrations. The water samples containing the leached calcium ions from the sealer specimens were aspirated into the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, and the instrument measured the absorbance of the samples at the specific wavelength for calcium (422.7 nm). The absorbance values obtained from the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer were then used to calculate the concentration of calcium ions in the water samples. The calcium ion concentration was typically reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm).
Sample size calculation:
A pilot study was conducted by using 5 samples in each group. Sample size was computed for the original study based on the results of pilot study. The study parameters included a significance level (alpha) of 0.05 and a desired power of 0.85. The expected effect size (delta) was set at 0.4106, with between-group variance (Var_m) of 1253.5 and within-group variance (Var_e) of 7435.8. Based on these parameters, the estimated total sample size required was 80 samples, with 20 participants per group, ensuring sufficient power to detect the specified effect size in the ANOVA.
Statistical analysis:
The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical package for social sciences, version 27, IBM Corp., Armonk, USA). Descriptive statistics pertaining for the assessed study variable “solubility” and “calcium ion release” in each sealer group was represented using mean and standard deviation. The normality of the data distribution pertaining to the assessed study variable was verified using Shapiro Wilk test on residuals. The equality of variances between the compared groups was verified using Bartlett’s test. Intergroup comparison for solubility and calcium ion release was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Bonferroni test. Intragroup comparison for solubility and ion release between time periods was performed using repeated measures of ANOVA followed by post hoc Bonferroni test. For all comparisons, p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.