The effect of curing conditions on the physical properties of tricalcium silicate cement for use as a dental biomaterial

Aim: To investigate the physical properties of tricalcium silicate (TCS) with and without the addition of a radiopacifier and compare them with that of Portland cement (PC) and radiopaque PC in an mineral trioxide aggregate-like system. Methodology: Tricalcium silicate, PC and radiopacified variants containing 20% bismuth oxide were tested for radiopacity, compressive strength, setting time and dimensional stability. All the testing was performed at 37 C and under different environmental conditions namely at 100% humidity or immersed in either water or Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS). Testing was performed after both 1 and 28 days. Results: The cements exhibited radiopacity values equivalent to