EVALUATION OF AN APATITE CEMENT AS A ROOT END FILLING MATERIAL

A self-setting apatite cement, EBA cement, and amalgam with varnish we re tested for root end sealing ability using a fluid filtration and dy e technique. Single-rooted human teeth were prepared in vitro to recei ve root end fillings. Experimental groups were amalgam with two layers of varnish, EBA cement with dry cavity, EBA cement within a wet cavit y, apatite cement within a dry cavity, and apatite cement within a wet cavity. Fluid filtration measurements were made at 6, 24, and 7 days, and 1 and 3 months. Each specimen was also subjected to a dye leakage test using Procion Green dye at 3 months. Results indicated that apat ite cement provided a comparable seal to amalgam and EBA cement. This finding, in conjunction with its excellent biocompatibility, suggests that apatite cement is an acceptable alternative to present-day root e nd filling materials.