Does the ultrasonic activation of calcium silicate-based sealers affect their physicochemical properties?

Abstract Objective Evaluate the influence of ultrasonic activation (UA) on the physicochemical properties of calcium silicate sealers. Methods Nine experimental conditions were created based on the calcium silicate sealers (Bio-C Sealer, Sealer Plus BC, and Bio Root RCS) and the ultrasonic activation (no activation, 10 seconds, and 20 seconds). Activation was performed with an ultrasonic insert 20/.01. The mold for the physicochemical analysis was filled and evaluated according to the ANSI/ADA specification nº. 57: initial and final setting time, flow, radiopacity and solubility. Tests were also performed to evaluate pH and calcium ion release with experimental periods of 1, 24, 72, and 168 hours. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey tests. The significance level was set at 5%. Results The time of UA progressively delayed the initial setting time for all calcium silicate sealers (P < .05). Twenty seconds of UA increased the mean flow values of Sealer Plus BC and Bio-C Sealer compared to NA (P < .05). UA did not influence the radiopacity and solubility of the tested sealers (P > .05). UA for 20 seconds enhanced the pH levels and the calcium ion release of Sealer Plus BC and Bio-C Sealer at 168h (P < .05). Conclusion UA for twenty seconds interferes with some physicochemical properties of calcium silicate sealers. Clinical Relevance: Twenty seconds of ultrasonic activation can improve the flowability, pH, and calcium ion release of Sealer Plus BC and Bio-C Sealer. Setting time was progressively delayed the longer the ultrasonic activation.