Chemical-physical properties of TheraCal, a novel light-curable MTA-like material for pulp capping

Aim  To evaluate the chemical–physical properties of TheraCal, a new light-curable pulp-capping material composed of resin and calcium silicate (Portland cement), compared with reference pulp-capping materials (ProRoot MTA and Dycal). Methodology  Calcium (Ca) and hydroxyl (OH) ion release over 28 days, solubility and water uptake (weight percentage variation, Δ%) at 24 h, cure depth and radiopacity of TheraCal, ProRoot MTA and Dycal were evaluated. Statistical analysis (P < 0.05) of release of ion was carried out by two-way repeated measures anova with Tukey, whilst one-way anova with Tukey test was used for the other tests. Results  TheraCal released significantly more calcium than ProRoot MTA and Dycal throughout the test period. TheraCal was able to alkalinize the surrounding fluid initially to pH 10–11 (3 h–3 days) and subsequently to pH 8–8.5 (7–14 days). TheraCal had a cure depth of 1.7 mm. The solubility of TheraCal (Δ−1.58%) was low and significantly less than that of Dycal (Δ−4.58%) and ProRoot MTA (Δ−18.34%). The amount of water absorbed by TheraCal (Δ +10.42%) was significantly higher than Dycal (Δ +4.87%) and significantly lower than ProRoot MTA (Δ +13.96%). Conclusions   TheraCal displayed higher calcium-releasing ability and lower solubility than either ProRoot MTA or Dycal. The capability of TheraCal to be cured to a depth of 1.7 mm may avoid the risk of untimely dissolution. These properties offer major advantages in direct pulp-capping treatments.