Comparison   of   sealing   ability   of   MTA,   Portland   Cement   and   a   new   endodontic cement (Calcium enriched mixture cement) as root end filling material-An invitro situ

Abstract

An ideal root-end filling material must prevent apical microleakage and provide a durable seal to enhance the success of surgical endodontic procedures. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is widely regarded as the gold standard, while Calcium-Enriched Mixture (CEM) Cement and Portland Cement have emerged as potential alternatives. This study aimed to compare the sealing abilities of MTA, Portland Cement, and CEM Cement when used as root-end filling materials. Sixty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth with single canals were decoronated and instrumented to a standardized length of 15 mm. Following obturation with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer, a 3 mm apicoectomy was performed, and retrograde cavities were prepared using ultrasonic tips. The specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n=20) and filled with MTA, Portland Cement, or CEM Cement, respectively. After setting, all samples were immersed in 2% methylene blue dye for 48 hours. Longitudinal sections were examined under a stereomicroscope (×40), and linear dye penetration was measured using ImageJ software. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests. The mean dye penetration was lowest for CEM Cement (0.696 ± 0.123 mm), followed by MTA (0.866 ± 0.192 mm), and highest for Portland Cement (1.234 ± 0.242 mm). The differences among groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001). CEM Cement exhibited the least variability and no outliers, indicating superior sealing consistency.  CEM Cement demonstrated significantly better sealing ability compared to MTA and Portland Cement, making it a promising root-end filling material in terms of apical seal, handling properties, and clinical consistency. Further in vivo research is warranted to validate its clinical applicability.