Transition element contained partial-stabilized cement (PSC) as a dental retrograde-filling material

A modified silicate cement has previously been developed as a dental retrograde filling; it has great sealing ability, good biocompatibility, and anti-bacterial properties. However, its clinical application is limited by a long setting time and poor handling property. In the present study, the setting time has been shortened by raising the preparation temperature of the cement and adding transition elements into the partial-stabilized cement (PSC) to increase the rate of hydration reaction of the cement. The rate of the hydration was evaluated by micro-hardness measurement. Phase transformation and micro-structure were examined by an X-ray diffractometer and a scanning electron microscope, respectively. When the preparation temperature increased (1400°C), the phase content of Ca2SiO5(C2S) and Ca3SiO6(C3S) increased but the CaO decreased. The setting time was shortened and the micro-hardness increased because the increased amplitude of vibration of the atoms about their equilibrium resting positions increased by increasing the heating temperature. When the transition elements were added to PSC, crystal defects were effectively created and monoclinic structure of C3S was favored to form, which would increase the hydrated reaction of PSC and shorten the setting time. Co addition is the most effective due to its ability to create more defects and stabilize the monoclinic structure. The micro-hardness of the PSC with Co 5 wt% addition was about 66 in the Vickers scale. It also exhibited an early setting within 20 min. We believe that the modified PSC will have a great potential in its application to perforation repair and retrograde filling in endodontic surgery.