Apatite-Forming Ability of Flowable vs. Putty Formulations of Newly Developed Bioactive Glass-Containing Endodontic Cement

This study compared the apatite-forming ability (AFA) levels of flowable and putty formulations of Nishika Canal Sealer BG Multi (F-NBG and P-NBG, respectively) and attempted to clarify the cause of differences in the AFA levels of F-NBG and P-NBG. NBG samples were aged in simulated body fluid (SBF) or 1-, 5-, or 10-g/L bovine serum albumin-containing SBF (BSA-SBF) and analyzed in terms of their ultrastructures, elemental compositions, and Raman spectra to identify apatite formation. The phosphate ion consumption rates of NBG samples in the media were evaluated as an indicator of apatite growth. The original elemental composition, calcium ion release, and alkalizing ability levels of F-NBG and P-NBG were also evaluated. Apparent apatite formation was detected on all NBG samples except F-NBG aged in 10-g/L BSA-SBF. P-NBG consumed phosphate ions faster than F-NBG. As-prepared P-NBG showed more silicon elements on its surface than as-prepared F-NBG. P-NBG released more calcium ions than F-NBG, although their alkalizing ability levels did not differ statistically. In conclusion, the AFA of P-NBG was greater than that of F-NBG, probably because of the greater ability of P-NBG to expose silanol groups on the surface and release calcium ions.