Evaluation of baghdadite (Ca3ZrSi2O9) cements for the application as novel endodontic filling materials.

Baghdadite (Ca 3 ZrSi 2 O 9) cements of various composition have been investigated in this study regarding an application as endodontic filling materials. Cements were either obtained by mixing mechanically activated baghdadite powder with water (maBag) or by subsequently substituting the ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) component in a brushite forming calcium phosphate cement. The cements were analyzed for their mechanical performance, injectability, radiopacity, phase composition and antimicrobial properties. The cements demonstrated sufficient mechanical performance with a compressive strength of ∼1 MPa (maBag) and 2.3 – 17.4 MPa (substituted calcium phosphate cement), good injectability > 80 % depending on the powder to liquid ratio and an intrinsic radiopacity of 1.13 – 2.05 mm aluminum equivalent. Immersion in artificial saliva proved their bioactivity by the formation of calcium phosphate and calcium silicate precipitates on the cement surface. The bacterial activity of Staphylococcus aureus cultured on the surface of the cements was found to be similar compared to clinical standard ProRoot MTA cement or even reduced by a factor of 3 for Streptococcus mutans. In combination with their antibacterial properties, baghdadite cements are thought to have the potential to fulfil the clinical requirements for endodontic filling materials. • Different baghdadite (Ca 3 ZrSi 2 O 9) cements have been synthesized and investigated regarding their application as endodontic materials. • The cements demonstrated sufficient mechanical performance, good injectability and an intrinsic radiopacity. • Bacterial activity of Staphylococcus aureus cultured on the baghdadite cements was similar to ProRoot MTA. • Bacterial activity of Streptococcus mutans cultured on baghdadite cements was three times lower than on ProRoot MTA. • maBag cement seems to be the more promising candidate due the high alkaline pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]