Porosity analysis of mineral trioxide aggregate Fillapex and BioRoot cements for use in endodontics using microcomputed tomography

AIM: The purpose of this study is to compare the porosity of two sealant cements, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Fillapex(®) and BioRoot(®) root canal sealer (RCS). These samples were analyzed using microcomputed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen samples were used in the study that were divided according to the composition of the materials used. MTA Fillapex(®) (n = 8) and BioRoot(®) RCS (n = 8) were the samples prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. They were placed in silicone molds of 5 ± 0.1 mm in height and an internal diameter of 5 ± 0.1 mm; 24 h after its preparation, the samples were scanned through a microcomputed tomography, and the porosity results were analyzed statistically by independent t-tests. RESULTS: It is evident that MTA Fillapex(®) has better porosity properties than BioRoot(®) RCS. The results of the study quantify a smaller number of pores per surface, a smaller volume in each pore per mm(3), and a lower total porosity present in samples of MTA Fillapex(®) unlike BioRoot(®) RCS samples which is larger in both. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in computerized microtomography endodontic biomaterial samples concluded that MTA Fillapex(®) has a lower porosity than BioRoot(®) RCS.