Investigation of zinc polycarboxylate cement used in dental treatments in terms of retrospective dosimeter

Zinc polycarboxylate cement is one of the few dental materials that demonstrate true adhesion to tooth structure. It is suitable for use in living organisms without causing harm. Its strong adhesion to teeth and low level of irritancy are two important parameters for the dental applications. In this study, the dosimetry properties of zinc polycarboxylate cement using thermoluminescence (TL) method were investigated and determined the effectiveness of its use as a good dosimeter. According to the results of this study, the sample shows a good TL properties with three main peaks found around 140°C, 220°C and 330°C. It has a wide linear dose response between 72 Gy and 2.3 kGy and good reusability of the TL peak found at 330°C. Unfortunately, the TL peak intensity values are rapidly faded within a short waiting time interval. Zinc polycarboxylate cement, which is frequently used in dental crowns, can be used as a retrospective dosimeter for measuring the amount of radiation in space studies and nuclear accidents due to its wide linear dose-response curve in the high dose region.

Microleakage at Implant Abutment and Prosthesis Interface in Cemented Implant-Supported Prosthesis

BACKGROUND

Dental implants have an important role in mainstream dental practice today to restore esthetics. The present study was conducted to evaluate the microleakage at implant abutment and prosthesis interface in cemented implant-supported prosthesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study comprised sixty replicas of abutment analog with length 5 mm, width of platform 4.8 mm, and taper 6° which were milled and divided into three groups. In Group I, nickel-chromium copings were fabricated; marginal gap was evaluated with optical microscope and luted with zinc oxide noneugenol cement, Group II with zinc polycarboxylate cement, and Group III with zinc phosphate cement. Microleakage was scored by the method used by Tjan et al.

RESULTS

The mean microleakage score in Group I was 2.5, in Group II was 1.9, and in Group III was 1.05. The difference was significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

All cements showed microleakage. Minimum microleakage was seen with zinc phosphate cement than zinc oxide noneugenol cement and zinc polycarboxylate cement.

In vitro fracture strength and patterns in root-filled teeth restored with different base materials

BACKGROUND

There is little research on the effects of an intermediate base on the fracture strength of root-filled teeth. This study compared the fracture strengths and patterns of root-filled teeth restored with intermediate bases of glass-ionomer cement (GIC), zinc polycarboxylate cement (ZPC), dual-cured resin composite (DCRC) and Biodentine^® under resin composite.

METHODS

Standardized cavities were prepared in 100 extracted human maxillary and mandibular premolars, and root canal treatment was performed. The teeth were stratified and randomly allocated to five groups (n = 20): (i) GIC; (ii) ZPC; (iii) DCRC; (iv) Biodentine; and (v) prepared but unrestored (control). The teeth were subjected to an oblique, ramped load until fracture. The fracture loads, level, mode and location were recorded.

RESULTS

Mean fracture strengths of all restored groups were not significantly different amongst the groups. There were significant overall effects on mean fracture strength for tooth type (P = 0.002) and buccolingual width of the crown (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The four materials were appropriate intermediate bases. The laminate restorative technique promoted fracture strengths that are likely to withstand normal and maximum masticatory function. The base material can influence failure mode, which may have implications for the clinical presentation of fractures of root-filled teeth.