CALCIUM HYDROXIDE ROOT-CANAL SEALERS - EVALUATION OF PH, CALCIUM-ION CONCENTRATION AND CONDUCTIVITY

The calcium hydroxide ionization of four root canal sealers (Sealapex, CRCS, Sealer 26, and Apexit) was studied by measuring conductivity an d pH and by conducting atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Samples 6 mm in diameter and 15 mm long were prepared fi-om these sealers. After setting and 48 h storage in a desiccator, five samples of each materi al were placed in 50 mt distilled water and analysed after 0,1,2,4, 6 and 24 h and 5, 15 and 30 days. The results showed that Sealapex was t he root canal sealer showing the highest pH, ionic calcium and total c alcium values (P<0.05) throughout the experimental period, followed by CRCS, Apexit and Sealer 26.