Physical-Mechanical Properties of a Resin-Modified Calcium Silicate Material for Pulp Capping

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate and to compare the physical-mechanical properties of a resin-modified calcium silicate material (TheraCal LC), used for pulp-capping, to MTA (Angelus) and a calcium hydroxide cement (Dycal). Specimens of each material (n=12) were prepared in Teflon molds (3.58 mm x 3 mm) and measured before and after immersion in distilled water for 24 h and 30 days to evaluate the dimensional change. The same specimens were submitted to compressive strength test on a Universal Testing Machine (Instron) (1 mm/min). Root canals were filled with the cements (n=8), and after 24 h, the bond strength (push-out test) to dentin was also assessed on a Universal Testing Machine (1 mm/min). Eight additional specimens of TheraCal LC were prepared to evaluate the bond strength immediately after light curing. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA, and Tukey or Bonferroni post hoc tests (p