Comparative radiographic assessment of a new bioceramic-based root canal sealer

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The aim of this study was to assess the radiopacity of two bioceramic-based root canal sealers, the conventional TotalFill BC sealer (FKG Dentaire Switzerland) and a new experimental filling material developed in collaboration with 'Raluca Ripan' Institute for Research in Chemistry, Cluj-Napoca. METHODS Five disc samples were prepared using both materials (10 mm diameter × 1 mm thickness), being subjected to digital radiography together with aluminum step wedges (1 to 12 mm in thickness), in accordance with ISO 6876: 2012. Radiopacity was determined by the computer analysis of the images obtained. Four different areas were selected for each sample, corresponding to a disk-sample quadrant. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. RESULTS Both materials showed a radiopacity that was 3 mm greater than the equivalent thickness of aluminum. Total Fill BC showed greater radiopacity than the experimental material, but the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Both materials comply with ISO 6876: 2012 recommendations on minimum radiopacity.