In vitro disinfection, pH and solubility of bioceramic intracanal medication with calcium hydroxide

To evaluate the pH, solubility and intratubular disinfection of the bioceramic intracanal drug Bio-C® Temp (BCT), calcium hydroxide-based paste Calen® (CAL) and their associations in different proportions: BCT 75% + CAL 25%; BCT 50% + CAL 50%; BCT 25% + CAL 75%. Polyethylene tubes containing the medication, were used. The pH was evaluated after 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days and solubility after 14 days. Bovine dentin tubes were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis to assess intratubular disinfection by using confocal laser scanning microscopy and use of Live/Dead BacLight Bacterial stain. Data were submitted to statistical tests of normality, then ANOVA and Tukey (α = 0.05). BCT showed a lower pH after 3 and 14 days (p < 0.05). CAL had the highest pH at all time intervals (p > 0.05). CAL and associations with BCT showed greater weight loss (p < 0.05). BCT showed intratubular disinfection similar to that of BCT/CAL 25% (p > 0.05). CAL and BCT/CAL at 50% and 75% were similar and had the highest intratubular disinfection values (p > 0.05). Combinations of Bio-C® Temp with 50% or more calcium hydroxide paste provide higher alkalinization, solubility and intratubular disinfection values of the bioceramic medication, favoring its potential for clinical application.