Effect of pH on solubility of white Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Biodentine: An in vitro study

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acidic, neutral and alkaline environments on the solubility of white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) and Biodentine (BD). Methods. Thirty-nine ring molds were randomly divided into three groups of A, B, and C (n = 12) with pH values of 7.4, 4.4 and 10.4, respectively, and an empty mold was used as a control. Each group was further divided into two subgroups (1 and 2) according to the material studied. The samples in groups A, B and C were transferred into synthetic tissue fluid buffered at pH values of 7.4, 4.4 and 10.4, respectively, and kept in an incubator at 37°C with 100% humidity. Daily solubility at 1-, 2-, 5-, 14-, 21-, and 30-day intervals and cumulative solubility up to 5-, 14-, and 30-day intervals were calculated. Statistical analysis was carried out with independent-samples t-test, two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests using SPSS 18. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Results. Both WMTA and BD exhibited the highest solubility in acidic pH with 5.4235±0.1834 and 10.7516±0.0639 mean cumulative solubility values at 30-day interval, respectively. At all exposure times, BD was significantly more soluble than WMTA (P<0.001). Conclusion. Acidic periapical environment jeopardized the solubility of both WMTA and BD, affecting their sealing characteristics in clinical applications like perforation repair procedures and blunderbuss canals.