Evaluation and Comparison of Physical Properties of Cention N with Other Restorative Materials in Artificial Saliva: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine and compare flexural strength and microhardness of Cention N with Glass ionomer cement (GIC) (GC Gold Label Type IX Extra) and Zirconomer improved at a distinctive time period in artificial saliva. Materials and methods: Cention N, GC Gold Label Type IX Extra, Zirconomer improved for the fabrication of samples. To determine the physical properties such as flexural strength and microhardness, test samples (n-30) of dimensions 12 mm (length)*4 mm (breadth)*2 mm (thickness) were made and divided into three groups. Every sample was dipped for 28 days in a plastic tube containing 5 mL of artificial saliva. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA with a post hoc test, intergroup and intragroup analyses were carried out. Results: In an intergroup analysis, flexural strength and microhardness of Cention N were substantially higher than Zirconomer improved and GIC (GC Gold Label Type IX Extra), respectively. In intragroup analysis found that there was a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the level of flexural strength as well as microhardness after samples were immersed in artificial saliva of group A (Cention N), group B (GC Gold Label Type IX Extra), and group C (Zirconomer improved) from 1st day to 28th day in artificial saliva. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Cention N had the highest flexural strength and microhardness of the three materials tested. Zirconomer improved can be used as a basic filling material in various restorative procedures due to good comparable mechanical properties and is economical for patients.