title: Properties of Tricalcium Silicate Sealers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sealers based on tricalcium silicate cement aim at an interaction of the sealer with the root canal wall, alkalinity with potential antimicrobial activity, and the ability to set in a wet field. The aim of this study was to characterize and investigate the properties of a new tricalcium silicate-based sealer and verify its compliance to ISO 6876 (2012).
  
  
  METHODS
  A new tricalcium silicate-based sealer (Bio MM; St Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon), BioRoot RCS (Septodont, St Maure de Fosses, France), and AH Plus (Dentsply, DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany) were investigated. Characterization using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis was performed. Furthermore, sealer setting time, flow, film thickness, and radiopacity were performed following ISO specifications. pH and ion leaching in solution were assessed by pH analysis and inductively coupled plasma.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Bio MM and BioRoot RCS were both composed of tricalcium silicate and tantalum oxide in Bio MM and zirconium oxide in BioRoot RCS. In addition, the Bio MM contained calcium carbonate and a phosphate phase. The inorganic components of AH Plus were calcium tungstate and zirconium oxide. AH Plus complied with the ISO norms for both flow and film thickness. BioRoot RCS and Bio MM exhibited a lower flow and a higher film thickness than that specified for sealer cements in ISO 6876. All test sealers exhibited adequate radiopacity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Bio MM interacted with physiologic solution, thus showing potential for bioactivity. Sealer properties were acceptable and comparable with other sealers available clinically.
authors: Department of Endodontics, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon. Electronic address: issamklil@cyberia.net.lb.
authors: Issam
authors: I
authors: Khalil
authors: Department of Endodontics, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors: Alfred
authors: A
authors: Naaman
authors: Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
authors: Josette
authors: J
authors: Camilleri
mesh_terms: D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D003738:Dental Cements; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008422:Materials Testing; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D017640:Silicates / Q000737:chemistry*; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D017610:Calcium Compounds; D003738:Dental Cements; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D017640:Silicates; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement; C112894:canals sealer; C506393:tricalcium silicate
keywords: Bio MM; BioRoot RCS; characterization; physical testing; sealer; tricalcium silicate-based sealers