Determination of Surface Characteristics, Solubility and Ion Release of a Calcium Silicate Root Canal Sealer

This study investigated the solubility of AH Plus Bioceramic sealer (AHPB), the ion release, and the modification of surface characteristics compared to AH Plus (AHP). Solubility was examined according to ISO guidelines in deionised water and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) for 3 months. Surface characteristics and elemental analysis were conducted with scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, while ion release was determined with ICP-OES. In PBS, solubility values were significantly lower than those recorded in deionised water for both materials (p < 0.05). Upon the AHPB sealer surface, crystalline structures developed that differed in composition, dependent on the immersion solution, whereas no crystal formations were observed on AHP. Calcium ion release of AHPB was significantly higher than AHP throughout the whole study period (p = 0.028). Immersion solution significantly affected solubility and superficial characteristics of materials, highlighting the need to modify experimental protocols to resemble clinical conditions.