Use of bioactive glass in combination with or without calcium hydroxide changes the biological and mechanical properties of dentin: An in vitro study

Abstract Introduction: Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) is the most commonly used medicament in endodontics. This study aimed to investigate the effect of bioactive glass (BG) use with or without Ca(OH) 2 on the biological and mechanical properties of dentin. Materials and Methods: Standard holes were created to simulate root canals on 84 dentin slices. Four groups were formed according to the medicament placed in the root canals: Ca(OH) 2 ; Ca(OH) 2 + 7% BG; BG and control. Scanning electron microscopy analysis to evaluate the dentin surfaces exposed to the test medicaments and energy dispersive X-ray analysis to observe apatite formation were used on the 1 st , 7 th , and 14 th days. X-ray diffraction measurements were performed to investigate mineral phase formation. Microhardness and pH measurements were also carried out. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests ( P < 0.05). Results: The Ca(OH) 2 and control groups showed the highest Ca and P mineral content on the 14 th day, whereas the lowest Ca and P content was found in the Ca(OH) 2 + BG group ( P < 0.05). A gradual decrease in crystal formation was found in the Ca(OH) 2 + BG group from the 1 st day to the 14 th day. The highest microhardness measurements were also recorded in the Ca(OH) 2 + BG group ( P < 0.05). The Ca(OH) 2 + BG group showed the highest pH measurements ( P = 0.001). Conclusions: Ca(OH) 2 + BG can be an alternative intracanal medicament. Further studies should be performed to determine the clinical implications of this combination.