Effect of calcium hydroxide premedication on the marginal adaptation of calcium‑enriched mixture cement apical plug

Abstract

Background: This study was to evaluate the effects of calcium hydroxide premedication on the marginal adaptation of the calcium‑enriched mixture (CEM) cement as an apical plug.

Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, forty single rooted teeth were prepared and apical portion of the roots were immersed in sulfuric acid to produce open apices. The teeth were divided into 2 experimental groups. In medicated group, calcium hydroxide was placed in all canals for 1 week and in non‑medicated group no dressing was used. Then, a 4‑mm apical plug of CEM cement was placed in canals; each root was prepared for observation using scanning electron microscope and the maximum distance between CEM cement and surrounding dentin was measured. The data were analyzed by t‑test, and significance level was set at a = 0.05.

Results: The mean width of gap in medicated and non‑medicated groups was 158/1 μm and 147/1 μm, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Calcium hydroxide premedication had no adverse effect on the marginal adaptation of CEM cement apical plug.

Key Words: Apical plug, calcium‑enriched mixture cement, calcium hydroxide, marginal adaptation, scanning electron microscopy