Comparative evaluation of radiopacity of MTA Fillapex® endodontic sealer through a digital radiograph system

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The radiograph represents one of the evaluation tools of the endodontic procedure. Therefore, radiopacity is an essential property of filling materials. Objective: To evaluate the MTA Fillapex® radiopacity, as compared to that of Sealer26®, Sealapex® and AH Plus®. Material and methods: Five specimens were prepared from each endodontic sealer, which were then positioned in the digital sensor (Kodak RVG 6100 - Digital Radiography System) and radiographed with a Kodak 2200 Intraoral Device Rx System, operating at 70 Kvp, 10 mV, with an exposition time of 0.071 tenth of second and a distance of 20 cm from the sensor. The radiopacity was assessed using the software Image Tool 3.0, which determines gray shades ranging from 0 to 255 pixels. For statistical analysis, ANOVA test was used, followed by Tukey's test at a significance level of 5%. Results: The MTA Fillapex® presented the lowest radiopacity between all tested sealers, while AH Plus® was the most radiopaque one. Sealapex® and Sealer 26® showed intermediate radiopacity and statistically did not differ from each other. Conclusion: MTA Fillapex® presented intermediate radiopacity. When compared with AH Plus®, Sealer 26® and Sealapex® endodontic sealers, it exhibited the smallest result.