Evaluation of the pH, calcium release and antibacterial activity of MTA Fillapex Avaliação do pH, liberação de cálcio e atividade antibacteriana do MTA Fillapex

Objective: This study evaluated, in several analysis periods, pH and calcium release and antibacterial activity provided by MTA Fillapex sealer compared to Sealapex and AH Plus sealers. Material and method: Polyethylene tubes were filled with a sealer and immersed in distilled water. After 24 hours, 14 and 28 days, pH and calcium release by endodontic sealers were evaluated directly in water which the tubes were stored. Sealers antibacterial activity was evaluated against Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus by means of agar diffusion test. All data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Result: In all periods evaluated, Sealapex had the highest pH value (p 0.05). In relation to S. aureus, Sealapex presented better antibacterial effectiveness than the MTA Fillapex and AH Plus (p 0.05). Conclusion: In final evaluation period, pH values and calcium release provided by MTA Fillapex were lower than provided by Sealapex and higher than provided by AH Plus. The MTA Fillapex antimicrobial action was similar to other endodontic sealers. Descriptors: Calcium; endodontics; Enterococcus faecalis; Staphylococcus aureus.