Comparison of MTA Fillapex radiopacity with five root canal sealers

Introduction: The endodontic sealer is a filling material whose physicochemical properties are mandatory for the achievement of endodontic therapy final goal. An ideal endodontic sealer should have some properties, including radiopacity. Objective: This study compared MTA Fillapex™ radiopacity with the radiopacity of five others endodontic sealers: Endométhasone-N™, AH Plus™, Acroseal™, Epiphany SE™ and RoekoSeal™. Material and methods: Five cylindrical samples of each sealer were used, constructed with the aid of a matrix. On an occlusal film, a sample of each sealer was placed along with an aluminum stepwedge and five radiographic shots were taken. The radiographic images were digitized and each sample’s gray scales were compared with each shade of the aluminum stepwedge, by using software. Results: The results, in decreasing order of radiopacity, were: AH Plus™ was statistically the most radiopaque sealer (9.4 mm Al), followed by Epiphany SE™ (7.8 mm Al), MTA Fillapex™ (6.5 mm Al), RoekoSeal™ (5.8 mm Al), Endométhasone-N™ (4.5 mm Al), and Acroseal™, the least statistically radiopaque (3.5 mm Al). Conclusion: It can be concluded that MTA Fillapex™ was the third most radiopaque sealer among all tested sealers. Also, MTA Fillapex™ has the radiopacity degree in agreement with ADA specification No. 57 (1983).