Calcium enriched mixture cement (CEM) is widely used in endodontics due to its favorable properties. The addition of chlorhexidine to (CEM) material increases its antimicrobial efficiency however; its influence on the properties of this material is unclear.
Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mixing 2% of Chlorhexidine on the compressive strength, solubility and calcium release of calcium enriched mixture cement.
Materials and methods: Two experimental groups were included in this study. The first group, CEM was mixed with CEM cement solution and the second group, calcium enriched mixture cement was mixed with 2% Chlorhexidine solution. Thirty cylindrical samples of 4 mm diameter and of 6 mm height were constructed per each group for assessment of compressive strength at 1, 7 and 15 days intervals 10 samples per each, furthermore, 10 samples of the same dimensions per each group were constructed for assessment of solubility and calcium ion release at 1, 7 and 15 days intervals.
Statistical analysis: Data were statistically analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Independent t-test was used to compare between different mixing solutions on mean compressive strength (MPa), weight loss (μg) and rate of calcium release (ppm).
Results: The compressive strength value of CEM cement solution mixed samples was significantly higher than Chlorhexidine mixed ones (P≤0.001). Solubility and calcium ion release significantly increased at 7 and 15 days (P≤0.05) by adding Chlorhexidine to mixing solution.
Conclusion: Adding Chlorhexidine to CEM had a negative influence on its compressive strength and solubility rate.