A novel flowable calcium silicate cement for endodontic therapy in equine teeth.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Equine endodontic treatment for apical infections is performed infrequently due to anatomical and accessibility challenges of equine cheek teeth. However, the alternative of extraction is not without risk and lifelong implications for the horse. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), a calcium silicate cement (CSC), has been used successfully in human dentistry for decades. MTA and other CSCs demonstrate excellent biocompatibility with favourable antimicrobial and physicochemical properties. These characteristics may support their application as an alternative filling material when used in equine endodontics. This study examined the use of a novel flowable CSC, equine (eCSC), as a canal obturation material for equine cheek teeth. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to investigate the volume percentage fill of cheek teeth pulp canals using eCSC compared to traditional obturation with calcium hydroxide paste (CHP). STUDY DESIGN: This is an in vitro experiment. METHODS: Ten extracted teeth with open pulps and impacted feed were endodontically treated. Nine teeth were filled with eCSC and one with CHP after chemomechanical preparation and irrigation. The teeth were examined under micro-CT to determine the percentage fill and histologically assessed for dentine adaptation and the presence of material voids. RESULTS: The average percentage fill with eCSC was 88.1% (SD ±3.9%) and ranged from 82.7% to 94.7%. The control tooth treated with CHP had a root canal filling volume of 83%. Histological assessment revealed black staining of the circumpulpar dentine with dark particles identified within the dentinal tubules, indicating intracanal penetration by eCSC. MAIN LIMITATIONS: This was a limited in vitro study with only one control tooth and does not address biological responses or clinical outcomes in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: eCSC can be used to obturate equine teeth and appears to achieve a percentage fill density comparable to CHP. Moreover, histological samples reveal excellent marginal adaptation to dentine, suggesting eCSC promotes penetration and possible mineralisation of dentinal tubules.