Evaluation of microleakage of mineral trioxide aggregate and biodentine as apical barriers in simulated young permanent teeth

Abstract

Abstract Background Apexification is a procedure that promotes apical closure by forming mineralized tissue in the apex region of a nonvital young permanent tooth. Calcium silicate-based cement like Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine are commonly employed as apical barriers to facilitate this process. Microleakage, defined as the leakage along the junction between the canal wall and filling material, is a crucial aspect to assess in MTA and Biodentine applications as apical barriers, as it directly impacts the prevention of bacterial seepage and maintenance of structural integrity. The current study aims to assess the microleakage of MTA and Biodentine when used as apical barriers in simulated young permanent teeth. Methods From a total of 128 extracted teeth, 114 were selected for the study and randomly allocated into three groups: G1 (MTA), G2 (Biodentine), and G3 (Control), with 38 teeth per group. After excluding 5 teeth from each group due to issues such as canal calcification, breakage during sectioning, and procedural errors, 33 teeth were analyzed to ensure equal distribution. To simulate young permanent teeth, samples were instrumented using a person-reamer with a diameter of 1.7 mm. A 4 mm thick apical plug of MTA and Biodentine was placed in G1 and G2, respectively, while G3 was the control group. Apical microleakage in all experimental groups was assessed using a dye penetration method. Specimens were longitudinally sectioned and examined under a stereomicroscope with graded eyepiece. Results The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed variations in mean apical microleakage among the groups: G1 recorded 0.67, G2–0.16, and G3–1.62, with G2 showing the lowest value and G3 group exhibiting the highest. Conclusions Biodentine was found to excel in its ability to create a secure seal and function effectively as an apical barrier in simulated young permanent teeth. These results underscore its potential as a highly efficient material for dental applications, particularly in scenarios requiring reliable sealing and barrier formation in the root canal system of developing permanent teeth.

Keywords

• Open apices
• Microleakage
• MTA
• Biodentine