Antimicrobial Activity of Calcium Silicate-Based Dental Materials: A Literature Review.

Endodontic biomaterials have significantly improved dental treatment techniques in several aspects now that they can be used for vital pulp treatments, as temporary intracanal medication, in definitive fillings, in apical surgeries, and for regenerative procedures. Calcium silicate-based cement is a class of dental material that is used in endodontics in direct contact with the dental structures, connective tissue, and bone. Because the material interacts with biological tissues and stimulates biomineralization processes, its properties are of major importance. The main challenge in endodontic treatments is the elimination of biofilms that are present in the root canal system anatomical complexities, as it remains even after chemical-mechanical preparation and disinfection procedures. Thus, an additional challenge for these biomaterials is to exert antimicrobial activity while maintaining their biological properties in parallel. This article reviews the literature for studies considering the antimicrobial properties of calcium silicate-based dental biomaterials used in endodontic practice. Considering the reviewed studies, it can be affirmed that the reduced antimicrobial effect exhibited by calcium silicate-based endodontic materials clearly emphasizes that all clinical procedures prior to their use must be carefully performed. Future studies for the evaluation of these materials, and especially newly proposed materials, under poly-microbial biofilms associated with endodontic diseases will be necessary.

Investigation of a modified hydraulic calcium silicate-based material - Bio-C Pulpo.

This study evaluated the physicochemical, biological, and antimicrobial properties of a new hydraulic calcium silicate-based modified material, and compared it with MTA Repair HP and MTA Angelus. The materials were assessed regarding color luminosity (L), color change, radiopacity, setting time, and ISO 6876:2012 linear flow. Volumetric filling and volume change were evaluated using microcomputed-tomography (µCT). Chemical characterization after 28 days in Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) and pH analysis were also assessed. Biological characterization of cytotoxicity and microbiological assessment were also undertaken. Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, Levene and post hoc analyses with Bonferroni correction were performed, adopting a 5% significance level (p <0.05). Bio-C Pulpo exhibited the highest L values after 90 days. All tested materials demonstrated color change during the analyses, and had radiopacity above 5 mm Al. MTA Repair HP set faster than Bio-C Pulpo, whereas the latter had the highest linear flow. MTA Repair HP had the highest volumetric filling in µCT analysis. Bio-C Pulpo showed the highest alkalinity during all tested periods, and the highest volumetric loss (above 9%), in comparison with MTA Repair HP and MTA Angelus. Bio-C Pulpo did not form calcium hydroxide after hydration. MTA Repair HP demonstrated the highest cytocompatibility, and Bio-C Pulpo, the highest cytotoxicity. No inhibition halos were observed for any material, and similar higher turbidity values were seen after direct contact. Composition additives used in Bio-C Pulpo modified its properties, and both the absence of calcium hydroxide deposition after hydration, and the related cytotoxicity of this material are of particular concern.

Investigation of a modified hydraulic calcium silicate-based material - Bio-C Pulpo

Abstract This study evaluated the physicochemical, biological, and antimicrobial properties of a new hydraulic calcium silicate-based modified material, and compared it with MTA Repair HP and MTA Angelus. The materials were assessed regarding color luminosity (L), color change, radiopacity, setting time, and ISO 6876:2012 linear flow. Volumetric filling and volume change were evaluated using microcomputed-tomography (µCT). Chemical characterization after 28 days in Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) and pH analysis were also assessed. Biological characterization of cytotoxicity and microbiological assessment were also undertaken. Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, Levene and post hoc analyses with Bonferroni correction were performed, adopting a 5% significance level (p <0.05). Bio-C Pulpo exhibited the highest L values after 90 days. All tested materials demonstrated color change during the analyses, and had radiopacity above 5 mm Al. MTA Repair HP set faster than Bio-C Pulpo, whereas the latter had the highest linear flow. MTA Repair HP had the highest volumetric filling in µCT analysis. Bio-C Pulpo showed the highest alkalinity during all tested periods, and the highest volumetric loss (above 9%), in comparison with MTA Repair HP and MTA Angelus. Bio-C Pulpo did not form calcium hydroxide after hydration. MTA Repair HP demonstrated the highest cytocompatibility, and Bio-C Pulpo, the highest cytotoxicity. No inhibition halos were observed for any material, and similar higher turbidity values were seen after direct contact. Composition additives used in Bio-C Pulpo modified its properties, and both the absence of calcium hydroxide deposition after hydration, and the related cytotoxicity of this material are of particular concern.

Dental discoloration caused by Grey-MTAFlow cement: analysis of its physicochemical, biological and antimicrobial properties.

Tricalcium silicate-based cement are materials used in reparative and regenerative procedures in endodontics. A recently proposed formulation aimed to enhance handling during clinical use with a versatile material applicable by syringe. Although, the use of bismuth oxide as radiopacifier and grey raw powder are drawbacks considering aesthetics. Objectives Evaluate physicochemical, biological, and antimicrobial properties of Grey-MTAFlow (Ultradent) and assess whether the addition of zinc oxide (ZnO) prevents dentinal discoloration caused by bismuth oxide. Methodology Grey-MTAFlow was manipulated in 'thin' consistency for all tests. Luminosity, color change, ion migration to dentine, radiopacity, setting time, ISO 6876:2012 linear flow, volumetric lateral flow and central filling of simulated grooves scanned using micro-computed tomography (µCT), pH, calcium release, volumetric change using µCT, chemical characterisation, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity were assessed. Addition of 5% ZnO to Grey-MTAFlow and a bismuth-containing experimental composition were comparatively tested. Statistical analyses used Shapiro-Wilk, T-test, ANOVA, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov (p<0.05). Results The addition of ZnO to Grey-MTAFlow prevented dentine darkening after 90 days due to bismuth migration reduction, although no statistical difference was found (p=0.863). ZnO addition significantly enhanced Grey-MTAFlow radiopacity without differences in initial setting time. Grey-MTAFlow presented an ISO linear flow of 10.9 mm and a balanced volumetric lateral flow with central filling in µCT evaluation. All compositions presented an alkaline pH after immersion. Grey-MTAFlow had a significantly higher calcium ion release after 28 days in comparison to 24 hours (p=0.011) and volumetric expansion of 0.4±1.8% after immersion. ZnO addition altered the hydrated cement matrix once calcium hydroxide (portlandite) could not be detected in characterisation. Neither of the materials produced inhibition halos nor reduced bacterial turbidity, but all presented cytocompatibility above 100%. Conclusion Grey-MTAFlow expanded after immersion and exhibited higher luminosity values after the evaluation period when ZnO was added, but chemical modifications after this addition occurred.

Dental discoloration caused by Grey-MTAFlow cement: analysis of its physicochemical, biological and antimicrobial properties

Abstract Tricalcium silicate-based cement are materials used in reparative and regenerative procedures in endodontics. A recently proposed formulation aimed to enhance handling during clinical use with a versatile material applicable by syringe. Although, the use of bismuth oxide as radiopacifier and grey raw powder are drawbacks considering aesthetics. Objectives Evaluate physicochemical, biological, and antimicrobial properties of Grey-MTAFlow (Ultradent) and assess whether the addition of zinc oxide (ZnO) prevents dentinal discoloration caused by bismuth oxide. Methodology Grey-MTAFlow was manipulated in 'thin' consistency for all tests. Luminosity, color change, ion migration to dentine, radiopacity, setting time, ISO 6876:2012 linear flow, volumetric lateral flow and central filling of simulated grooves scanned using micro-computed tomography (μCT), pH, calcium release, volumetric change using μCT, chemical characterisation, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity were assessed. Addition of 5% ZnO to Grey-MTAFlow and a bismuth-containing experimental composition were comparatively tested. Statistical analyses used Shapiro-Wilk, T-test, ANOVA, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov (p<0.05). Results The addition of ZnO to Grey-MTAFlow prevented dentine darkening after 90 days due to bismuth migration reduction, although no statistical difference was found (p=0.863). ZnO addition significantly enhanced Grey-MTAFlow radiopacity without differences in initial setting time. Grey-MTAFlow presented an ISO linear flow of 10.9 mm and a balanced volumetric lateral flow with central filling in μCT evaluation. All compositions presented an alkaline pH after immersion. Grey-MTAFlow had a significantly higher calcium ion release after 28 days in comparison to 24 hours (p=0.011) and volumetric expansion of 0.4±1.8% after immersion. ZnO addition altered the hydrated cement matrix once calcium hydroxide (portlandite) could not be detected in characterisation. Neither of the materials produced inhibition halos nor reduced bacterial turbidity, but all presented cytocompatibility above 100%. Conclusion Grey-MTAFlow expanded after immersion and exhibited higher luminosity values after the evaluation period when ZnO was added, but chemical modifications after this addition occurred.