Influence of calcium hydroxide addition to AH Plus sealer on its biocompatibility

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of 5% calcium hydroxide to AH Plus sealer improves its biocompatibility in subcutaneous connective tissue of rats.Study designThirty female rats distributed into 3 groups of 10 animals each received subcutaneous dorsal implants of silicone tubes filled with AH Plus (Group 1), AH Plus containing 5% (wt/wt) calcium hydroxide (Group 2), or no material (Group 3: control). The animals were killed after 14 days and the subcutaneous tissue containing the tubes was removed and processed for histological analysis. Biocompatibility was assessed by evaluating the inflammatory response to the implants qualitatively and quantitatively. Data were analyzed statistically by the Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α = 0.05).ResultsThe area adjacent to the implant was characterized by nonspecific chronic inflammation and was qualitatively similar in the 3 groups. Animals implanted with AH Plus/calcium hydroxide showed significantly less intense inflammatory response when compared with the animals implanted with AH Plus alone.ConclusionThe addition of calcium hydroxide to AH Plus root canal sealer improved its histopathological behavior within 14 days of analysis, producing less severe inflammatory response and less cytotoxicity when implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of rats.