Evaluation of the radiopacity of some commercial and experimental root-end filling materials

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the radiopacity of 5 root end filling materials (white MTA Angelus, MTA Bio, light-cured MTA, Sealepox RP, and Portland cement clinker with bismuth oxide and calcium sulfate).MethodFive specimens, 10 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness according to specification ISO 6876:2001 were fabricated from each material and radiographed using Insigth occlusal films close to a graduated aluminum step-wedge (2 to 16 mm in thickness). Radiographs were digitized and compared to the aluminum step-wedge. The radiographic density data were converted into millimeters of aluminum (mm Al), using the Digora 1.51 software. Results were evaluated statistically using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey test. The level of significance was set at 5% (P <.05%).ResultsRadiopacity values ranged from 1.21 mm Al (light-cured MTA) to 6.45 mm Al (MTA Angelus). Comparison between materials showed significant difference (P < .05) between MTA Angelus and all other materials, between Sealepox RP and MTA Bio, and between light-cured MTA and Portland cement clinker. Light-cured MTA was significantly less radiopaque than all other materials. No significant difference (P > .05) was found between MTA Bio and Portland cement clinker.ConclusionsAll retrograde filling materials evaluated showed greater radiopacity than dentin. All the materials, except light-cured MTA met the minimum radiopacity standards of 3 mm Al recognized by the ISO 6876:2001 and ADA n.57.