Effect of different apical plug thickness of calcium silicate cements on fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth

Abstract

Aim and Objectives: Treatment goal of traumatized immature teeth is to provide a restoration that reinforces the tooth structure to improve function and esthetics. The present study was conducted to compare and evaluate the effect of different apical plug thickness of calcium silicate cements on fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth.

Materials and Method: Eighty single rooted human teeth were sectioned and divided into eight groups (n=10). In Group I (positive control) no instrumentation was done. In the remaining seventy teeth endodontic access preparation was done and the root canals were instrumented with Peeso reamers. Group 2 (negative control), was filled with calcium hydroxide. In group 3, 4 5; MTA Plus was inserted into root canals to create 3-mm and 6-mm apical plugs and full obturation, respectively. Similarly in Group 6, 7, 8; Biodentine was inserted to create a 3-mm and 6-mm apical plug and full obturation, respectively. The remainder section of the canals in Group 3, 4 6, 7 were obturated with conventional gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. The fracture testing of each specimen was performed using a Universal Testing Machine and force was recorded in newton (N). The values obtained was statistically analyzed using one way Anova and Post Hoc Tukeys tests.

Results: The maximum fracture resistance was seen in Group 3, which showed significantly greater values than Group 1, 2, 5, 6, 7&8 (p<0.05). No significant differences were found between the Group 3 and 4 and between Group 6 and 7 (P > .05).

Conclusion: Up to 6mm thickness of apical plug can be created with MTA Plus and Biodentine without deteriorating the fracture resistance of tooth complex.