Light-cured calcium hydroxide cements release of calcium ions using argon based induction coupled mass spectroscopy - an in vitro study

Calcium ion-releasing ability of different calcium hydroxide-based pulp capping materials was comparatively evaluated in this study. Different brands of cements were taken from different manufacturers and categorized into three groups. Three different brands of Ca(OH)(2) cements (Dycal, TheraCal, and Cal LC) were taken prepared by mixing and curing the cements as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Consequently, ion release was measured after 7, 14, and 21 days by argon-based induction coupled plasma mass spectroscopy test. Within the limitations of this study, light-cured Ca(OH)(2) cements released a higher amount of calcium ions compared with self-cured Ca(OH)(2) cements. Theracal was found to be the highest light-cured calcium ion releasing materials throughout the period of 21 days. In conclusion, further clinical studies are warranted to substantiate the findings of this study.