Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of a polyolefin-based core for carrier-based root canal obturation.
BACKGROUND
Carrier-based gutta-percha is an effective method of root canal obturation creating a 3-dimensional filling; however, retrieval of the plastic carrier is relatively difficult, particularly with smaller sizes. The purpose of this study was to develop composite carriers consisting of polyethylene (PE), hydroxyapatite (HA), and strontium oxide (SrO) for carrier-based root canal obturation.


METHODS
Composite fibers of HA, PE, and SrO were fabricated in the shape of a carrier for delivering gutta-percha (GP) using a melt-extrusion process. The fibers were characterized using infrared spectroscopy and the thermal properties determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The elastic modulus and tensile strength tests were determined using a universal testing machine. The radiographic appearance was established using digital periapical radiographs.


RESULTS
The composite core carrier exhibited a melting point of 111°C to 112°C, which would facilitate removal by heat application. The elastic modulus and the tensile strength were found to be lower than those of Thermafil carriers (Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK). The preliminary radiographic evaluation showed that the novel composite core carrier is sufficiently radiopaque and can be distinguished from gutta-percha.


CONCLUSIONS
The PE-HA-SrO composites were successfully melt processed into composite core carriers for delivering gutta-percha into the root canal space.
Department of Biomaterials, King's College London Dental Institute, London, United Kingdom. raghad.al-hashimi@kcl.ac.uk
Raghad Abdulrazzaq
RA
Alhashimi
Francesco
F
Mannocci
Richard M
RM
Foxton
Sanjukta
S
Deb
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D017886:Durapatite / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D010969:Plastics / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D011090:Polyenes / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012821:Silanes; D013055:Spectrophotometry, Infrared; D013324:Strontium / Q000737:chemistry; D013718:Tensile Strength
D004337:Drug Carriers; D010969:Plastics; D011090:Polyenes; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012821:Silanes; C035051:PL 732; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D020959:Polyethylene; D017886:Durapatite; D013324:Strontium