Introduction:The development of new pulp capping agents has paved the way towards the preservation of pulp vitality, which is an important goal in restorative dentistry. This study sought to assess the calcium ion release, pH and setting of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus, an experimental formulation of nano-hybrid MTA containing nano-SiO2, nano-Al2O3 and nano-TiO2 and MTA Angelus plus nano-oxides.

Methods:In this experimental study, five specimens from each material were placed in polypropylene tubes and immersed in a flask containing deionized distilled water. The amount of calcium ions released into the solution from each material was measured at 15 minutes, one hour and 24 hours using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The pH of the solutions was measured using a pH meter at the respective time points. Setting time was also assessed using a Gilmore needle. Data were analyzed using the repeated measures ANOVA.

Results:The amount of released calcium ions was not significantly different among the groups (P=0.060). All materials were alkaline and the pH at 24 hours was significantly higher than the other two time points in all groups (P<0.001). The experimental group had the shortest and MTA Angelus had the longest setting time. All materials were alkaline and capable of releasing calcium. Addition of nanoparticles to MTA Angelus significantly decreased the setting time but had no effect on the release of calcium ions or pH.

Abbreviations: mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), vital pulp therapy (VPT)