(PR119) Impact of Shelf-Life on Flow, Film Thickness, and Setting Time of EndoSequence BC and CeraSeal BC Sealers

Impact of Shelf-Life on Flow, Film Thickness, and Setting Time of EndoSequence BC and CeraSeal BC Sealers.

Objective: Calcium Silicate Cement (CSC) based premixed sealers are essential for sealing within the root canal system, preventing bacterial leakage and reinfection. The physical properties of these materials depend on storage conditions and expiration dates. The research investigates the effects of the shelf life of EndoSequence BC Sealer (ES-BCS) and CeraSeal BC Sealer (CS-BCS) on flow, film thickness, and setting time.

Methods: All experiments were conducted per ISO6876:2012 test methods for flow and film-thickness using glass-slab methods and setting time (plaster molds) both new (control) and expired (experimental) samples of ES-BCS and CS-BCS in an incubator (37°C/100% humidity). A Gillmore apparatus initial/final setting times (hours: minutes). Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results: The mean flow values for experimental and control samples were as follows: ES-BCS 18.058 (±0.51) mm/19.582 (±1.03) mm, and CS-BCS 17.862 (±0.615) mm/18.326 (±0.725) mm. The mean film thickness for experimental and control ES-BCS was 20.78 (±0.30) µm/20.42 (±0.20) µm, while for CS-BCS it was 11.18 (±0.40) µm/11.42 (±0.20) µm. The initial and final setting times for ES-BCS were 1:50 (±0:30)/1:25 (±0:50) hours and 23:30 (±15:30)/26:45 (±20:30) hours, respectively. For CS-BCS, the initial and final setting times (hours: min) were 1:20 (±0:30)/1:40 (±0:40) and 24:50 (±18:40)/30:25 (±20:40), respectively.

Conclusion: Differences in flow properties and setting-times for expired-sealers compared to new-sealers can be attributed to the degradation of polymeric binders. Therefore, storage conditions for premixed Bioceramic sealers are crucial for optimal physical properties.