Comparative radiopacity of tetracalcium phosphate and other root-end filling materials

Aim This study compared the radiopacity of tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) an d 11 root-end filling materials relative to human dentine. Methodology Specimens of 2 mm thickness and a graduated aluminium stepwedge were placed on dental X-ray films and exposed to an X-ray beam. The optica l densities of the specimens and aluminium steps were measured. The optical densities of the specimens were correlated to the equivalent thickness of aluminium with a regression analysis equation. The equation was used to cal culate the equivalent aluminium thickness of each of the specimens. Results Nine of the materials were found to be of acceptable radiopacity (a t least 2 mm Al more radiopaque than dentine). TCCP and two of the glass-io nomer compounds were found to have insufficient radiopacity to be radiograp hically distinguishable from human dentine. Conclusions All the materials were found to be distinguishable radiographic ally from dentine, except for Vitrebond, TTCP and Ketac-Fil. Amalgam was th e most radiopaque material and Ketac-Fil was the least radiopaque material tested.