Synthesis of partial stabilized cement–gypsum as new dental retrograde filling material

The study describes the sol–gel synthesis of a new dental retrograde filling material partial stabilized cement (PSC)–gypsum by adding different weight percentage of gypsum (25% PSC + 75% gypsum, 50% PSC + 50% gypsum and 75% PSC + 25% gypsum) to the PSC. The crystalline phase and hydration products of PSC–gypsum were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The handling properties such as setting time, viscosity, tensile strength, porosity and pH, were also studied. The XRD and microstructure analysis demonstrated the formation of hydroxyapatite and removal of calcium dihydrate during its immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) on day 10 for 75% PSC + 25% gypsum. The developed PSC–gypsum not only improved the setting time but also greatly reduced the viscosity, which is very essential for endodontic surgery. The cytotoxic and cell proliferation studies indicated that the synthesized material is highly biocompatible. The increased alkaline pH of the PSC–gypsum also had a remarkable antibacterial activity.

► A new dental retrograde filling material PSC–gypsum was developed. ► PSC–gypsum cement has shown excellent initial and final setting time as 15–35 min. ► It not only improved the setting time but also retain the viscosity, 2 Pa·s. ► High alkaline pH of the cement had a remarkable antibacterial activity. ► Cytotoxicity studies revealed that the synthesized material is highly biocompatible.