Comparative Radiopacity Evaluation of Dental Materials Used in Vital Pulp Therapy

Abstract

Background: Radiopacity is an essential property of pulp capping materials, enabling accurate radiographic diagnosis and differentiation from dental tissues. This study compared the radiopacity of 15 dental materials used in vital pulp therapy of primary and permanent teeth with each other and with enamel and dentin.

Methods: Eight calcium silicate-based, 6 glass ionomer-based, and 1 calcium hydroxide-based material were tested. Forty-five disk-shaped specimens (8 mm diameter, 2 mm thickness) were prepared according to manufacturers’ instructions. Radiographs were obtained using digital radiography with enamel, dentin sections, and a 9-step aluminum (AI) wedge. Mean gray values were converted to equivalent AI thickness (mm Al) using calibration curves. Data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05).

Results: Significant differences in radiopacity were found among materials (P < .001). Bio-C Repair and NeoPutty MTA showed the highest mm Al values, while Amalgomer and Zirconomer had the lowest. Ionofil U, Glass Liner, Theracal LC, Calcimol LC, Amalgomer, and Zirconomer had radiopacity lower than both primary and permanent enamel.

Conclusion: All calcium silicate-based materials met the ISO 6876 threshold of ≥3 mm Al. However, the radiopacity of Amalgomer and Zirconomer was lower than that of dentin and below acceptable clinical standards.

Cite this article as: Sarimehmetoglu N, Ozdemir B. Comparative radiopacity evaluation of dental materials used in vital pulp therapy. Essent Dent. 2025, 4, 0059, doi:10.5152/EssentDent.2025.25059.