Background: The chemical association of chitosan with inorganic salts, such as calcium phosphate, finds a promising application in dentistry as room-temperature self-hardening cement. We present the physical, chemical and crystallographic characterization of newly-developed cements made of 1) calcium-phosphate and a chitosan gel obtained by acetic acid treatment, and 2) calcium phosphate and a chitosan gel obtained by ascorbic acid treatment. Both cements are self-hardening at room temperature.
Methods: The cements were characterized by X-ray diffractography, scanning electron microscopy and fluorine-selective electrode analysis.
Results: The chitosan-hydroxyapatite cements had hardness comparable to spongy bone and above that of PMMA.
Conclusions: The cements are promising for application in endodontics and restorative dentistry.