RADIOPACITY OF TRICALCIUM SILICATE-WHITE PORTLAND CEMENT WITH BISMUTH OXIDE AND ZIRCONIUM OXIDE ADDITIONS FOR USE AS POTENTIAL MATERIALS FOR AN ENDODONTIC SEALER

Radiopacity is one of the properties needed for intraoral dental materials. The root canal sealer should have sufficient radiopacity to provide a clear distinction between the material and the surrounding anatomical structure, which can only be performed by radiographic examination. Some radiopacifier materials that can be used are Bismuth Oxide (Bi₂O₃) and Zirconium Oxide (ZrO₂). Portland cement has the same characteristics as MTA; however, the lack of presence of bismuth oxide in Portland cement causes low radiopacity. This study investigates the radiopacity value of Tricalcium Silicate White Portland Cement (TS-WPC) by adding Bi₂O₃ and ZrO₂ with concentrations of 10, 15, 20, and 25 % respectively. A mixture of TS-WPC with Bi₂O₃ and TS-WPC with ZrO₂ was made using a simple solution method. After that, the radiopacity of all the samples and the control was tested. The results showed statistically significant differences in the radiopacity value between the groups (p < 0.05), and the post hoc test revealed that the highest radiopacity value was found in the TS-WPC Bi₂O₃ group of 25 %. In conclusion, adding a Bi₂O₃ and ZrO₂ radiopacifier at a concentration of 10, 15, 20, and 25 % can increase the radiopacity value of TS-WPC.