Physical Properties of MTA Fillapex Sealer

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare several physicochemical properties including working and setting times, flow, solubility, and water absorption of a recent calcium silicate–based sealer (MTA Fillapex; Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) and an epoxy resin–based sealer (AH Plus; Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany).MethodsThe materials were handled following the manufacturer's instructions. The working time and flow were tested according to ISO 6876:2001 and the setting time according to American Society for Testing and Materials C266. For solubility and water absorption tests, the materials were placed into polyvinyl chloride molds (8 × 1.6 mm). The samples (n = 10 for each material and test) were placed in a cylindrical polystyrene-sealed container with 20 mL deionized water at 37°C. At 1, 7, 14, and 28 days, the samples were removed from the solutions and blotted dry for solubility and water absorption tests. The data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance with the Tukey test (P < .05).ResultsMTA Fillapex showed the lowest values of flow, working and setting times, solubility, and water absorption (P < .05). The solubility and water absorption increased significantly over time for both materials in a 1- to 28-day period (P < .05).ConclusionsMTA Fillapex showed suitable physical properties to be used as an endodontic sealer.