Hard tissue reaction to mineral trioxide aggregate and experimental root-end filling material in guinea pig mandibles

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Root-end filling materials are used to fill and seal the root apex during periradicular surgery. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a widely-used material because of its particular characteristics. Cold ceramic (CC) is an experimental material that has been recently introduced. The purpose of this study was to compare bone tissue response to CC and MTA in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five male guinea pigs (weighing 750–850 g) were anesthetized with 10 mg/kg ketamine HCL and 12 mg/kg xylazine. A triangular incision of around 15 mm was prepared in the posterior site along the symphysis in both right and left sides of the mandible. A 3 mm × 3 mm diameter cylindrical hole was prepared in each side using a trephine. Two Teflon cylindrical tube applicators were filled with white MTA and CC and inserted into the defects separately. Histopathological evaluation of the specimens was completed after 2 weeks and 12 weeks. The extent of inflammation was recorded and analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test and SPSS software version 12 at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: MTA and CC produced moderate and mild hard tissue responses respectively after 2 weeks and 12 weeks. No significant differences were found in the distribution of the responses between the two groups at either time point. CONCLUSION: Both CC and MTA demonstrated biocompatibility with minor adverse impact on hard tissue and healing recovery after 12 weeks.