Nanoionomer: evaluation of microleakage.

BACKGROUND

Glass ionomer cements are widely used in pediatric practice due to their advantage of fluoride release and chemical bond to tooth structure. Adherence of the restorative material to the cavity walls is one of the most important characteristic for it to be proven as an ideal material as it prevents microleakage.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed at evaluating the microleakage of nanofilled resin-modified glass ionomer cement compared with the conventional and resin-modified glass ionomer cements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Standard class V cavities of size 3 mm x 2 mm x 2 mm were made on a total of 30 extracted teeth and restored with the conventional glass ionomer, resin-modified glass ionomer or nanoionomer. After thermocycling, teeth were immersed in 0.5% methylene blue dye for 24 h. They were then sectioned buccolingually. Microleakage was assessed for the occlusal and gingival walls using a compound microscope by two examiners independently.

RESULTS

Nanoionomer demonstrated the least microleakage, with a mean score of 1.3, compared with the resin-modified glass ionomer (score of 3.2) and conventional glass ionomer cement (score 2.6).

CONCLUSION

Nanoionomer exhibited adequate resistance to microleakage and thus may prove better than conventional or resin-modified glass ionomers.