Degradation properties and ion release characteristics of Resilon®and phosphate glass/polycaprolactone composites

Incorporation of particulate bioactive glasses into a dental root canal sealer

Flame spray synthesis has opened the possibility to add additional elements to complex materials such as bioactive glasseswhile maintaining nanoparticulate properties. In this study, it was investigated whether a flamesprayed bismuth oxide doped nanometric 45S5 bioactive glass could be incorporated into a commercially available epoxy-resin root canal sealer, and how this compared to a conventional, pure 45S5 micrometric bioactive glass. Effects on radiopacity, microhardness, pH and mineral induction in phosphate buffered saline and simulated body fluid were studied. It was revealed that the radiopaque nanometric bismuth-containing 45S5 bioactive glass reduced radiopacity of the root canal sealer less than a conventional micrometric counterpart. In addition, pH induction and calcium phosphate precipitation were quicker with the nanometric compared to the micrometric material, whilst the micrometric glass displayed a higher alkaline capacity. Both materials apparently bound to the epoxy resin matrix, thus increasing its microhardness after polymerization reaction. Effects were dose-dependent. The investigated radiopaque bioactive glass containing bismuth oxide could be a valuable add-on for current root canal sealers.

Resilon: a comprehensive literature review

Background and aims. An ideal root canal filling material should completely seal the entire root canal space and block communication between the root canal system and its surrounding tissues; it should also be nontoxic, noncarcinogenic, non-genotoxic, biocompatible, insoluble in tissue fluids and dimensionally stable. Bonding to dentin is a promising property, which can prevent leakage and improve the sealing ability of root canal filling materials. Resilon was developed and rec-ommended initially because the existing rootcanal filling materials did not bond to root canal dentin. Since its introduction in 2004, numerous reports have been published regarding various aspects of this material. The aim of this literature review is to present investigations regarding Resilon's physical and chemical properties and leakage studies. Materials and methods. A review of the literature was performed by using electronic and hand searching methods for Resilon from May 2004 to April 2012. Results. There are many published reports regarding Resilon. The searchshowed that Resilon is composed of a parent polymer, polycaprolactone or Tone, which is a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, with filler particles consisting of bioactive glass, bismuth oxychloride and barium sulfate. It possesses some antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is a promising material for root canal filling. Despite the presence of numerous case reports and case series regarding these applications, there are few designed research studies on clinical applications of this material. Resilon has some drawbacks such as high cost. Conclusion. Resilon seals well and is a biocompatible material. However, more clinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy compared with other materials.