A Novel Model for Evaluating the Flow of Endodontic Materials Using Micro-computed Tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Flow and filling ability are important properties of endodontic materials. The aim of this study was to propose a new technique for evaluating flow using micro-computed tomographic (μCT) imaging.

METHODS: A glass plate was manufactured with a central cavity and 4 grooves extending out horizontally and vertically. The flow of MTA-Angelus (Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil), zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE), and Biodentine (BIO) (Septodont, Saint Maur des Fossés, France) was evaluated using International Standards Organization (ISO) 6876/2002 and a new technique as follows: 0.05 ± 0.005 mL of each material was placed in the central cavity, and another glass plate and metal weight with a total mass of 120 g were placed over the material. The plate/material set was scanned using μCT imaging. The flow was calculated by linear measurement (mm) of the material in the grooves. Central cavity filling was calculated in mm3 in the central cavity. Lateral cavity filling (LCF) was measured by LCF mean values up to 2 mm from the central cavity. Data were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance and Tukey tests with a 5% significance level.

RESULTS: ZOE showed the highest flow rate determined by ISO methodology (P < .05). Analysis performed using μCT imaging showed MTA-Angelus and ZOE had higher linear flow rates in the grooves. Central cavity filling was similar for the materials. However, LCF was higher for BIO versus ZOE.

CONCLUSIONS: Although ZOE presented better flow determined by ISO methodology, BIO showed the best filling ability. The model of the technique proposed for evaluating flow using μCT imaging showed proper and reproducible results and could improve flow analysis.