Evaluation of setting time and microhardness of two calcium silicate-based cements: An in vitro study

Introduction: Calcium silicate-based cements are widely used in endodontic procedures due to their bioactivity and biocompatibility. NeoMTA 2 is a newer formulation designed to improve radiopacity, setting performance, and manipulation compared with earlier materials. This study aimed to compare the setting time and surface microhardness of NeoMTA 2 and Biodentine cements. Materials and Methods: Seven specimens of cement, two groups (NeoMTA 2 and Biodentine), were prepared in type II gypsum molds for setting time evaluation and tested with Gillmore needles at 37°C under controlled humidity. For microhardness, 48 disk-shaped specimens were prepared (24 per material), with half stored for 4 days and the other half for 7 days ( n = 12 per group). Three indentations were averaged for each specimen. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc tests (α =0.05). Results: Biodentine showed significantly shorter initial and final setting times than NeoMTA 2 ( P < 0.001). Biodentine also demonstrated higher microhardness values at both 4 and 7 days ( P < 0.001). Both materials exhibited significant increases in hardness over time, while the interaction between cement and storage period was not significant. Conclusion: NeoMTA 2 and Biodentine exhibited clinically acceptable setting and microhardness behavior. Biodentine set faster and reached higher hardness, which may be advantageous when early mechanical performance is required. NeoMTA 2 still showed improved behavior compared with earlier MTA formulations, supporting its suitability for clinical use.