Comparative Evaluation of Sealing Ability, Water Sorption, and Solubility of Two Temporary Resin-Based Restorative Materials and Zinc Oxide–Eugenol Cement: An In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Maintaining an effective coronal seal is crucial for the long-term success of root canal therapy. Temporary restorative materials are commonly placed during multi-visit endodontic procedures to prevent microbial ingress. Their effectiveness is determined not only by sealing ability but also by their resistance to water sorption and solubility.

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to compare the coronal sealing ability, water sorption, and solubility of Spident Temp.it, Orafil LC, and Zinc Oxide–Eugenol cement when used as temporary restorative materials.

Methods: Thirty extracted mandibular premolars were selected, and standardized access cavities were prepared. The samples were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 10) based on the material used: Spident Temp.it, Orafil LC, and Zinc Oxide–Eugenol cement. After thermocycling, coronal microleakage evaluation was performed using a dye infiltration technique. under a stereomicroscope. For evaluation of water sorption and solubility, thirty disc-shaped specimens (10 mm × 2 mm) were fabricated and grouped accordingly. Measurements were carried out following ISO 4049 guidelines by recording initial, saturated, and final weights.

Results: Among all groups, Group III (Zinc Oxide–Eugenol cement) demonstrated the highest coronal microleakage (mean = 2.70 ± 0.48), followed by Group II (Orafil LC) (mean = 1.50 ± 0.53), whereas Group I (Spident Temp.it) showed the least microleakage (mean = 0.30 ± 0.48).

For water sorption, Group III exhibited the highest values (mean = 8.3 ± 0.8 × 10⁻⁵ g/mm³), followed by Group II (mean = 6.4 ± 0.6 × 10⁻⁵ g/mm³), while Group I demonstrated the lowest values (mean = 3.8 ± 0.4 × 10⁻⁵ g/mm³).

In terms of solubility, Group III showed negative solubility (mean = −1.3 ± 0.2 × 10⁻⁵ g/mm³), indicating mass gain, whereas Group II exhibited higher positive solubility (mean = 1.3 ± 0.2 × 10⁻⁵ g/mm³), and Group I showed the least solubility (mean = 6.0 ± 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ g/mm³).

Conclusions: Spident Temp.it demonstrated superior overall performance with minimal microleakage, water sorption, and solubility, followed by Orafil LC. Zinc Oxide–Eugenol cement showed comparatively inferior properties among the tested materials.