Comparison of five different Light-Cured Pulp Capping Materials to a Hydraulic Calcium Silicate Cement: A Long-Term Physicochemical Study

Objectives: Hydraulic calcium silicate cements (HCSCs) are the gold standard for vital pulp therapy, although they have a prolonged setting time. Light-cured flowable composite resins containing calcium silicate or calcium hydroxide powder are promoted as an alternative. The aim of this study was to compare the physicochemical properties of 5 light-cured pulp capping materials (LCPCMs) (Calcimol LC, TheraCal LC, ReViCal, MTA PulpCap, and Pulprotec MTA) with HCSC (Biodentine). Methods: Cylindrical specimens (51.472 mm3; n = 13/material/time) were stored in 5 mL Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution in a Thermoshaker at 37 °C with constant shaking. After 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 180 days of immersion, the pH value and conductivity of the solution, the solubility of the samples, and the surface properties of the specimens (scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray, x-ray diffraction, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy) were analysed. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Fisher exact test and the 2-sample t test in addition to 1-way analysis of variance. Results: The pH value of Biodentine was significantly higher than that of the LCPCM at every time point examined (P < .05). On scanning electron microscopy, hydroxyapatite-like structures were visible on the surface of Biodentine after 7 days, whereas this was not the case for the LCPCM. The energy dispersive x-ray revealed that significantly more calcium was found on the surface of Biodentine than in the LCPCM (P < .05). X-ray diffraction was able to detect hydroxyapatite on the surface of Biodentine, while all materials showed calcite on their surfaces. Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy confirmed these findings and showed polymeric structures in the LCPCM. Significance: The physicochemical properties of HCSC (Biodentine) examined in this study are superior to those of LCPCM.