A methacrylate‐based cement used as a root canal sealer

Abstract

In this study, a methacrylate‐based orthopaedic bone cement was modified for use as a root canal sealer by changing the monomer from n ‐butyl methacrylate to tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate. The sealing and bonding capabilities, solubility and handling properties of the resin were evaluated. Seventy‐three extracted mature human teeth with single canals were used. The teeth were randomly divided into two experimental groups each of 30 teeth; three control teeth were set aside for the leakage tests. Ten teeth were reserved for the scanning electron microscope studies. All the experimental teeth were root filled with gutta‐percha and the resin sealer. The particle size of the polymer was limited in Group 1 to 75 μm or less and in Group 2 to 45 μm or less. The controls were filled with gutta‐percha only. Silver nitrate solution was used as the leakage indicator. In Group 1 the mean linear penetration of the indicator was 1.10 mm ± 1.04; four roots showed no leakage. In Group 2 the mean linear penetration of the indicator was 0.57 mm ± 0.65; 12 roots showed no leakage. The test bodies showed no weight change after 1 and 3 months' storage in saline at 37°C. The scanning electron microscope examination revealed a bond both between the resin and the dentine and between the resin and the gutta‐percha. The working time of the new resin composition was normally about 50 min, and handling was found to be easy.