Fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth filled with Biodentine and white mineral trioxide aggregate - an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth filled with Biodentine (BD) and white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) as pulp space barriers for regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were divided into four groups of 15 teeth each. Positive control teeth received no treatment. The remaining teeth were prepared until a size 6 Peeso (1.7 mm) could be passed 1 mm beyond the apex. Then, an engineering twist drill of 3 mm diameter was used to extend the preparation of the canal 3 mm below CEJ. The root canals were irrigated and disinfected according to AAE considerations for REPs. The canals were filled with either BD or WMTA. The negative control canals were left unfilled. The coronal access cavities were restored with glass ionomer followed by composite resin. The teeth were placed in phosphate-buffered saline solution and stored for 12 months. Each specimen was then subjected to fracture testing using a universal testing machine. The peak load to fracture and the fracture resistance were recorded, and the data were analysed statistically. RESULTS: The positive control group had the highest fracture resistance and differed significantly (P < 0.05) from the other experimental groups. No significant difference was found between BD and WMTA (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the risk of cervical root fracture for pulpless infected immature teeth treated with REPs, after 12 months, there was no difference between WMTA and BD regarding the resistance to root fracture.