IUNES, Aline Garcia et al. Evaluation of sealing ability and pH of the apical barrier with Portland white cement added of conventional radiopacifying agents. RSBO (Online) []. 2010, 7, 3, pp. 275-280. ISSN 1984-5685.

INTRODUCTION: The Portland cement has shown similar biological properties to calcium hydroxide, but its radiopacity is lower. Therefore, the addition of materials that minimize this deficiency should be considered. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the apical sealing ability and pH of a white Portland cement added of several radiopacifying agents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty bovine roots with incomplete apices were selected, and the foraminal openings were standardized to PM 720G bur. After the external root sealing, an apical intracanal barrier 10.0 mm thick was executed with the white Portland cement powder, pure or added of a radiopacifying agent (iodoform, zinc oxide or bismuth subnitrate), and distilled water (0.37 mL). The apical roots were immersed 24h in water in humid atmosphere, and after that they were immersed 24h in 2% Rhodamine B, under vacuum. In sequence, the roots were longitudinally sectioned, the root fragments were photographed, the images were digitalized and the apical infiltration was measured by the Image Tool program. The pH solutions were also evaluated, in 24h and 48h and 7 and 30 days. Data were submitted to Anova test. RESULTS: The zinc oxide solution has the lowest apical infiltration in relation to the other groups (p < 0.05). The pH behavior varied during the analysis, and in the period of 24h all groups showed the highest values (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The type of radiopacifying agent used interferes in the sealing ability of the apical barrier, and zinc oxide showed to be the most beneficial one. The pH varies according to the period of analysis, and the highest values were obtained in the first 24h (p < 0.05).

: MTA; Portland cement; iodoform; zinc oxide; bismuth.