INFLUENCE OF 2% CHLORHEXIDINE SOLUTION ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH, SOLUBILITY AND CALCIUM RELEASE OF CALCIUM ENRICHED CEMENT (CEM)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD, Lecturer, Operative Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Suez Canal University.

2 PhD, Lecturer, Endodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Suez Canal University.

Abstract

Calcium enriched mixture cement (CEM) is widely used in endodontics due to its favorable properties. The addition of chlorhexidine to (CEM) material increases its antimicrobial efficiency however; its influence on the properties of this material is unclear.
Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mixing 2% of Chlorhexidine on the compressive strength, solubility and calcium release of calcium enriched mixture cement.
Materials and methods: Two experimental groups were included in this study. The first group, CEM was mixed with CEM cement solution and the second group, calcium enriched mixture cement was mixed with 2% Chlorhexidine solution. Thirty cylindrical samples of 4 mm diameter and of 6 mm height were constructed per each group for assessment of compressive strength at 1, 7 and 15 days intervals 10 samples per each, furthermore, 10 samples of the same dimensions per each group were constructed for assessment of solubility and calcium ion release at 1, 7 and 15 days intervals.
Statistical analysis: Data were statistically analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Independent t-test was used to compare between different mixing solutions on mean compressive strength (MPa), weight loss (μg) and rate of calcium release (ppm).
Results: The compressive strength value of CEM cement solution mixed samples was significantly higher than Chlorhexidine mixed ones (P≤0.001). Solubility and calcium ion release significantly increased at 7 and 15 days (P≤0.05) by adding Chlorhexidine to mixing solution.
Conclusion: Adding Chlorhexidine to CEM had a negative influence on its compressive strength and solubility rate.