pH changes of root dentin following root canal filling with three different calcium silicate-based cements over 4-week period

Objective: To evaluate the pH changes of root dentin after root canal filled with ProRoot MTA, Bio-MA or Biodentine at different root levels and times. Materials and methods 53 extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were instrumented. Three different locations of cavities were prepared on the root surface at the apical and the middle levels. Three experimental groups (n = 16) were filled with ProRoot MTA, Bio-MA or Biodentine. A control group (n = 5) was filled with deionized water. The pH in cavities was measured at the following time points (2 hours, 1 day, 1–4 weeks). Three-way mixed ANOVA was used to analyze ( p -value < 0.05). Results Significant pH changes to alkaline pH occurred over 4-week period in experimental groups at all root levels ( p  < .001). The Bio-MA group showed the highest pH value (9.18) at 1 day and 1 week at the apical and inner middle root levels. The highest pH value of ProRoot MTA and Biodentine groups were 9.12 and 9.07 at 2 weeks and 2 hours at the inner middle and apical root levels, respectively. The pH values at the outer middle root level are the lowest. Conclusions The pH changes of root dentin to alkaline pH were found for 4 weeks. The highest pH values were 9.07–9.18. The outer middle root level displayed lowest pH values. Clinical Relevance Root canal filled with calcium silicate-based cement provided long term alkaline pH of root dentin, being considered in the conditions for antibacterial effect and treatment of external inflammatory root resorption.