Aim: This study aimed to use the micro-computed tomography to evaluate the interfacial adaptation and the presence of gaps of NeoMTA Plus, BioRoot RCS, and MTA in the root-end cavities.
Methodology: Thirty standardized bovine roots measuring 15 mm in length were selected. Chemical-mechanical preparation was performed up to instrument #80 and obturation with the cold lateral compaction technique with cement based on zinc oxide and eugenol. The roots were kept at 37°C for 7 days. Afterward, apicectomy of the apical 3 mm and a root-end filling cavity was performed at 3 mm depth. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was performed to measure the volume of the retroactivity. The roots were divided by stratified randomization into three groups according to the retro-end filling material: NeoMTA Plus, BioRoot RCS, and MTA. A new micro-CT was performed to assess the presence of voids in the root-end filling material and between it and the canal wall. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were performed using the BioEstat 4.0 program.
Results: There was no difference in the initial volume values of the root-end cavities (p > .05). After the insertion of root-end filling materials, the most significant volumes of voids were observed in the NeoMTA Plus group (p < .05), with no difference for the BioRoot RCS and MTA Angelus groups (p > .05).
Conclusion: Micro-computed tomography showed that MTA and BioRoot RCS have better interfacial adaptation and presented fewer number of gaps than NeoMTA Plus when used as root-end filling materials.
Research highlights: Micro-computed tomography evaluation of different root-end fillings materials.
Keywords: apical surgery; endodontics; micro-computed tomography; root-end filling material.
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