Marginal Adaptation of Eggshell Powder Coalesced Calcium Hydroxide Sealer Using SEM; An In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: The synthesis and use of nanoparticles in dentistry has paved way for nanoscience in advanced dentistry. Eggshells are rich sources of calcium carbonate (94%) which can be used in synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAp). Clinical studies have employed eggshell powder (ESP) either independently or in conjunction with other substances as agents for mineralizing teeth.

Objectives: This research sought to evaluate the marginal adaptability, interfacial layer of eggshell incorporated calcium hydroxide based sealer under scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Methods: Eggshell powder was produced through a calcination process, resulting in pure calcium oxide powder, free from pathogens. Egg shells were cleaned in sterile distilled water, boiled and dried to make a fine powder. This ESP was placed in furnace and obtained mass was observed under SEM. Thirty extracted permanent single rooted teeth were decoronated and instrumented by NeoEndo Flex (Neoendo Flex File, Orikam, Haryana, India) rotary file system. Derived ESP was then mixed with calcium hydroxide based sealer (Sybron Endo Kerr, USA). The modified sealer was used to obturate the teeth. The teeth were sectioned and examined under SEM for the marginal adaptability. An independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance were conducted, with subsequent Tukey’s post hoc analysis applied.

Results: The results of this study state that the group B obturated with eggshell hydroxyapatite (ESH) modified sealer has lesser micro-gaps than group A. The control group A showed micro-gaps of larger dimensions than group B. The micro-gaps found in group B were greater in coronal section followed by middle and least in apical level contributing to lesser apical micro-leakage. The least derived particle size of novel ESH was 899 nm/0.899µm. the p value was less than 0.05 which is statistically significant for both the evaluated groups.

Conclusions: ESP, a naturally occurring and commonly accessible byproduct of the food industry, functions as an efficient source of calcium for dental applications. ESH sealer has shown better marginal adaptability to root dentin, which restores its potential to be used in evolving nano-dentistry.