Fracture resistance of mesio-occlusal-distal cavities restored with composite, resin modified glass ionomer cement and zirconomer - An in vitro study

Abstract

Introduction: Zirconomer is a recently introduced cement that combines the benefits of amalgam and conventional glass ionomer and offers the strength and durability of amalgam with the protective benefits of glass ionomer and also eliminates the hazard of mercury. Aim: To compare the fracture resistance of maxillary premolars with MOD cavities when restored with Zirconomer, Resin modified glass ionomer cement and Composite. Materials and Methodology: Forty extracted non-carious intact human maxillary premolars were collected and stored in distilled water and divided into two Control groups with five teeth each (n=5) and three experimental groups with 10 teeth each (n=10) Group I: Positive control with no cavities prepared, Group II: Class II MOD cavities were prepared but the cavities were not restored (Negative control), Group III: Cavities were restored with composite(Charisma;Heraeus Kulzer,Germany), Group IV: Cavities were restored with Resin modified Glass Ionomer Cement (Fuji II LC,GC corporation, Tokyo, Japan), Group V: Cavities were restored with Zirconomer (Shofu Inc, Japan). Fracture resistance was tested with a cross head speed of about 1mm/ min when the specimen was loaded in a Universal Testing Machine. The mean fracture resistance of the groups were statistically analyzed using One way ANOVA and post hoc test (α = 0.05). Results: There was no significant difference between Group 1 (positive control) and Group 5 (zirconomer), (P>0.05). Group 5 (Zirconomer) and Group 3 (Composite) showed better fracture resistance in comparison to Group 2 (Negative control), and Group 4 (Resin modified GIC) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Zirconomer can be advocated as a potential posterior restorative material of choice.