Injectable calcium phosphate and styrene–butadiene polymer-based root canal filling material

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional obturation of the root canal system is mandatory for a successful root canal treatment. Using a filling material with optimal properties may enable the root canal to be sealed well and therefore obtain the desired obturation. OBJECTIVE: To develop a new injectable paste endodontic filling material using calcium phosphate powder and a styrene–butadiene emulsion polymer. METHODS: The powder phase comprised an equivalent molar ratio of tetracalcium phosphate, anhydrous dicalcium phosphate, bismuth oxide, and calcium chloride. The liquid phase comprised a styrene–butadiene rubber emulsion in distilled water. The powder and the liquid were mixed to achieve a paste consistency. The paste was subjected to various tests including flow, setting time, dimensional change, solubility, and radiopacity to indicate its suitability as a root canal filling material. All these tests were conducted according to the American National Standards Institute–American Dental Association for endodontic sealing materials. After passing these tests, the paste was submitted to an injectability test. RESULTS: The material showed acceptable flowability with 19.1 ± 1.3 min setting time and 0.61 ± 0.16% shrinkage after 30 days of storage. We found the highest solubility at 24 h (6.62 ± 0.58%), then the solubility decreased to 1.09 ± 0.08% within 3 days. The material was more radiopaque than a 3 mm step on an aluminum wedge. Furthermore, the material showed good injectability of 93.67 ± 1.80%. CONCLUSIONS: The calcium phosphate powder in styrene–butadiene emulsion met basic requirements for a root canal filling material with promising properties.