Comparative evaluation of vertical fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth obturated with bioceramic materials

Background-Bioceramic materials have the potential to reinforce the root of a tooth and form an apical barrier. It would be advantageous to obturate flared canals with these materials. Hence the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the vertical fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth obturated with bioceramic materials. Methodology-Seventy-two single rooted simulated immature human teeth after root canal cleaning and instrumentation were divided into six groups for obturation of the canals. Group I: Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, Group II: Biodentine, Group III: MTA plug backfilled with Thermoplastisized Gutta percha, Group IV: Biodentine Plug Backfilled with Thermoplastisized Gutta percha, GROUP V: Dentin Blocks Only Instrumentation (Negative Control), GROUP VI: Thermoplastisized Gutta Percha (Positive Control). After obturation the samples were subjected to mechanical testing using Universal Instron testing machine to determine the resistance to vertical fracture. Results-Biodentin group (841.5508 N) followed by MTA group 684.5092 N) showed maximum resistance to vertical fracture. No statistically significance difference was observed between Biodentine and MTA groups but difference was observed among the bioceramic materials (MTA and biodentine) and Gutta percha, Biodentine plug + Gutta percha and MTA plug +Gutta percha groups (p<0.001). Conclusion – Root canals obturated completely with bioceramic material performed better hence can be considered as an alternative obturation material in cases of immature endodontically treated teeth with flared canals.