Evaluation of zinc oxide-isoeugenol cement properties

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the substitution of eugenol by isoeugenol in the formula of the zinc oxideeugenol endodontic sealer, in relation to the properties of setting time and film thickness, due to the known genotoxicity of the eugenol. it was used the powder of zinc oxide-eugenol sealer (Endofill - Dentsply Herpo) and the isoeugenol (98%). Based on the specification No. 57 of the American Dental Association (ADA) the setting time and film thickness were evaluated. To determine the setting time a mold with an internal diameter of 10 mm and thickness of 2 mm were prepared and taken to the stove at 37°C. Using a Gillmore needle weightening 100 g and diameter of 2 mm, the setting time of the material was determined. Three assessments were made at different periods: A -1h e 08 min; B - 1h e 10 min; C - Lhe 13 min. To determine the film thickness, it was used a proportion of 330 mg of zinc oxide and 110 mg of isoeugenol, that was placed between two glass plates that have hat its thickness measured by a micrometer. The spatuled material was placed over one of the plates and covered by the other. A load 147 N was imputed for 10 minutes. After this time, the plates with the interposed sealer were taken off and the thickness was measured again. The diference between the first and second measure resulted on the following film thickness: A - 30 m; B - 26 m; C - 28 m. Based on the resulis, it was conclused that, in relation to the film thickness, the material was approved by the specification, that demands that the highest thickness should be of 50 m. The setting time was longer than 10% advocate by the manufactures, however, once this time is not critical for root canal fillings, it would be viable to suggest the substitution for isoeugenol to the sealer if it is considered the analysed propertie.