Evaluation of the Solubility of Dental Cements in Artificial Saliva of Different pH Values

Enhancing Mechanical and Biological Properties of Zinc Phosphate Dental Cement with Akermanite and Hardystonite Nanoparticles: A Synthesis and Characterization Study

This study investigates the potential of incorporating akermanite and hardystonite nanoparticles (NPs) into commercially available zinc phosphate cement. Akermanite and hardystonite NPs were synthesized through a mechanical route and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The NPs were then added to the cement at a concentration of 5 wt%, and the physical and biological properties of the resulting composite were evaluated. The results showed that the incorporation of NPs led to a significant reduction in porosity (from 12.4% to 5.6%) and a notable improvement in compressive strength (from 90 to 120 MPa) compared to the control group. MTT assay revealed that the cement containing NPs exhibited no significant toxicity and even promoted cell growth and proliferation. Specifically, cell viability increased by 15%, and cell proliferation rate increased by 20% compared to the control group. These findings suggest that the designed cement has suitable mechanical and biological properties, making it a promising material for dental and orthopedic applications.

Effect of Three Different Liquid Medias in the Sorption and Solubility of Luting Cements: An In Vitro Study

Background Among the various mechanical and biological properties of luting cement, the most important are its resistance to disintegration, degradation, and stability in the oral cavity. The sorption and solubility of cement alter the mechanical properties by impeding the half-life of the filling. It also leads to variations in dimensions, discoloration, and margin breakage. It is, therefore, essential to choose a low-solubility cement since there is always an interaction between teeth and restorative margins. The aim of this study is to assess and compare the solubility and sorption values of three different luting cements in three liquid media. Materials and methods Three luting cements were used for the investigation. Disc-shaped specimens of the cement, which were of 10 mm diameter and 2 mm height, were prepared. The sample included a total of 126 disc-shaped specimens made up of three materials, glass ionomer cement (GIC), resin cement, and resin-modified GIC, which were used in three liquid media (14 of each material in each medium). Fourteen specimens of each material were placed in glass vials containing 20 ml of each medium: distilled water, artificial saliva, and carbonated water. The samples were then put in an incubator at 37 °C. The measurements and masses of the samples were documented on days one, three, seven, 14, 21, 28, and 35. The samples were taken out of the solution after five weeks and stored in a desiccator with calcium sulphate for another five weeks. The weight and dimensional changes were estimated on days one, three, seven, 14, 21, 28, and 35. The values of water sorption (WSO) and solubility (WSL) were estimated. To determine the mean and standard deviation of each cohort, descriptive statistics were employed. Utilizing the Shapiro-Wilkinson test, the normality was determined. An independent test was used to determine the difference between all pairs of groups, while one-way ANOVA, Dunn test, and post hoc analysis were used to establish the distinction between the three groups. Results One-way ANOVA showed that significant differences existed among the groups: resin cement showed the least sorption and solubility, resin-modified GIC showed the highest solubility in distilled water (0.40 ± 0.03), and GIC showed the highest solubility in both artificial saliva (0.36 ± 0.03) and carbonated water (0.04 ± 0.05). Conclusion Considering the experimental outcomes and the limitations of an in vitro investigation, it was concluded that in the complex setting of the oral environment, this selection procedure is crucial for maintaining mechanical strength and for the long lifespan of dental restorations.

Current Concepts on the Pathogenesis of Peri-implantitis: A Narrative Review

As implant treatment has been integrated in contemporary dental practice, complications with the forms of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis have also increased in prevalence. Peri-implantitis is the more severe biological complication and is defined as an inflammatory disease affecting peri-implant tissues resulting in bone and eventually implant loss. In addition, the treatment of peri-implantitis has currently become a substantial global economic burden. In the current study, a search was conducted in several electronic databases using specific keywords relevant to the article's main topic. An increasing number of scientific reports have investigated the etiopathology of peri-implant diseases, focusing mainly on peri-implantitis. Microbial biofilm consists an important etiological factor of peri-implant pathology analogous to periodontal diseases. Although several data confirm that peri-implant infections are dominated by gram-negative bacteria, similar to periodontal infections, there is evidence that some cases may harbor a distinct microbiota, including opportunistic microorganisms and/or uncultivable species. Additionally, data support that several parameters, such as genetic predisposition of individual patients, occlusal overload, and local factors such as titanium particles and excess cement, may be implicated in peri-implantitis pathogenesis. Simultaneously, the release of titanium metal particles and their biological consequences or the presence of excess cement in the adjacent peri-implant tissues have also been suggested as factors that contribute to peri-implant pathology. A specific line of research also indicates the role of foreign body response to implant installation. This narrative review aims to discuss the current concepts of etiopathogenetic factors implicated in peri-implantitis.

Cleaning Efficacy of Poly-ether-ether-ketone Tips in Eliminating Cement Remnants Around Implants With Different Abutment Heights

The excess cement not removed after the cementation of fixed implant-supported restorations may cause loss of peri-implant attachment or adjacent bone. The aims of this study were to evaluate the amount of residual cement at different abutment-crown connection levels and to test the cleaning efficacy of poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) ultrasonic tips after cementation. One implant was placed in an anterior central tooth position 5 mm below the gingival margin in an acrylic model, and 32 stone models were obtained with implant analogs. Abutment heights of 1-2 and 2.5-4 mm were used on the vestibular and lingual sides, respectively. Crowns were cemented and cleaned, and half of the samples were cleaned again using PEEK tips. The abutment-crown suprastructure was then disconnected, and cleaning efficacy was evaluated. Varying amounts of excess cement were found on all specimens except for the PEEK group with abutment-crown connections 1 mm below the gingival margin. An increase of undetected cement remnants was observed when the restoration margins were located deeper subgingivally. Various amounts of excess cement associated with margin location were detected on the abutment-restoration complex despite meticulous cleaning efforts. Ultrasonic PEEK tips were effective at cleaning the cement remnants around implants to a certain depth.

Implant-based factor as possible risk for peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis is currently a topic of major interest in implantology. Considered one of the main reasons of late implant failure, there is an emerged concern whether implant characteristics could trigger inflammatory lesion and loss of supporting bone. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an evidence based overview on the influence of implant-based factors in the occurrence of peri-implantitis. A literature review was conducted addressing the following topics: implant surface topography; implant location; occlusal overload; time in function; prosthesis-associated factors (rehabilitation extension, excess of cement and implant-abutment connection); and metal particle release. Although existing data suggests that some implant-based factors may increase the risk of peri-implantitis, the evidence is still limited to consider them a true risk factor for peri-implantitis. In conclusion, further evidences are required to a better understanding of the influence of implant-based factors in the occurrence of peri-implantitis. Large population-based studies including concomitant analyses of implant- and patient-based factors are required to provide strong evidence of a possible association with peri-implantitis in a higher probability. The identification of these factors is essential for the establishment of strategies to prevent peri-implantitis.

The Influence of Aging in Solvents on Dental Cements Hardness and Diametral Tensile Strength

Prosthetic materials must exhibit adequate resistance to the oral environment. The aim of this paper was to study the resistance of selected cements used for cementing restorations (Breeze-composite, Adhesor Carbofine-zinc-polycarboxylate and IHDENT-Giz type II-glass-ionomer) against ethanol, soda and green tea solutions. The highest values of hardness and DTS (diametral tensile strength) were obtained by composite cement (HV = 15-31, DTS = 34-45 MPa). Ethanol solution had the greatest impact on the hardness value of composite cement, and soda solution on zinc-polycarboxylate cement. No significant differences were noted in the DTS values of composite cements after immersion in solvents; however, the DTS value of zinc-polycarboxylate cement increased after prolonged immersion time in ethanol and the DTS of glass-ionomer cement (IHDENT Giz type II) clearly decreased after submersion in soda solutions. Variation in pH across the range of 6 (tea) to 9 (soda solution) had a low impact on the properties of dental cements. Extended exposure to solvents appears to worsen the properties of cements.

Influence of margin location and luting material on the amount of undetected cement excess on CAD/CAM implant abutments and cement-retained zirconia crowns: an in-vitro study

Background

The flexibility in designing the submucosal part of CAD/CAM customized implant abutments and the individual positioning of its shoulder line has been suggested to reduce the risk of leaving undetected cement residues, thus preventing adverse effects on peri-implant tissues. A high correlation between excess cement left in the soft tissues and the occurrence of increased biofilm accumulation with sulcular bleeding and/ or suppuration has been reported. This in turn may cause peri-implant inflammation and peri-implant marginal bone loss. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of cement remnants after the luting of zirconia crowns on CAD/CAM custom molar abutments with different margin levels and to evaluate the impact of the luting material.

Material and methods

A total of 20 titanium molar CAD/CAM implant abutments (BEGO Medical GmbH) with internal taper connection/ internal hex anti-rotation protection, and a convex emergence profile with different margin positions (0, 1, 2 and 3 mm below the mucosa), were virtually designed (Implant Studio, 3Shape) and manufactured. A master cast was scanned, duplicated by a 3D printer and individual gingival masks were produced to simulate peri-implant soft tissues. 20 corresponding zirconia crowns were designed (Cerec 3D, Dentsply Sirona), produced and cemented to the abutments with two different luting materials; a zinc oxide non-eugenol cement (Temp Bond NE) or a methacrylate cement (Panavia V5). To ensure retrievability of the crown/abutment connection, occlusal openings providing access to the abutment screws were designed. Excess cement was thoroughly removed and the crown/abutment units were unscrewed to evaluate the occurrence of cement residues. All the quadrants of each specimen were evaluated for calculation of the ratio between the cement remnant area and the total specimen area using Adobe Photoshop. Spearman analysis was performed to detect correlations between different variables. A two-sided t-test, ANOVA, Mann–Whitney, and Kruskal–Wallis tests were applied to detect differences between the groups.

Results

Cement remnants were found in every depth of the crown abutment complex and in almost every area investigated. The amount of cement residues increased as the crown-abutment margin was located more submucosally. Lingual areas were more prone to cement remnants than other surface areas (p = 0.0291). Excess cement was not only found at the margins of the crown-abutment complex, but also underneath (basal) the abutment itself, where cleaning was impossible. No statistical difference in the effect of zinc oxide non-eugenol- and methacrylate cement on the frequency of excess material at the lateral abutment surfaces could be demonstrated in vitro. The proportion of basal abutment aspects covered with cement residues was, however, significantly smaller in Panavia V5 samples with an average of 4.9 ± 3.7% compared to Temp Bond samples with an average of 8.6 ± 5.5%.

Conclusions

Given the results obtained in the present investigation the margin of CAD/CAM molar abutments should be located as coronally as possible to minimize the amount of cement remnants. If an epigingival or supragingival margin location is not feasible due to esthetic concerns, it cannot be recommended to place the margin of molar CAD/CAM abutments deeper than 1.5 mm in the proximal and oral regions.

Influence of Luting Materials and Methods and the Restoration Surface on the Amount of Cement Remnants in Implant Restorations

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the luting methods on the amount of cement remnants in implant restorations and to determine the restoration surface with the maximum amount of residual cement. Forty abutments and crowns were divided into 4 groups as follows: TB group, luting with zinc oxide-eugenol cement; TBV group, luting with zinc oxide-eugenol cement after application of a separating agent over the transmucosal area of the abutment; PI group, luting with methacrylate cement; and PIV group, luting with methacrylate cement after application of a separating agent. After cementation, all the quadrants of the specimens were photographed, and the amount and location of the cement remnants were statistically analyzed (P ≤ .05). The amount of cement remnants was significantly smaller in the groups with a separating agent. The type of luting material did not significantly affect the results. Cement remnants were more abundant on the mesial and distal sides than on the buccal and lingual sides of the restoration.

Impact of dental cement on the peri-implant biofilm-microbial comparison of two different cements in an in vivo observational study

BACKGROUND

The type of cement used in cemented fixed implant-supported restorations influences formation of undetected excess cement and composition of the peri-implant biofilm. Excess cement and dysbiosis of the biofilm involve the risk of peri-implant inflammation.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of two different cements on the peri-implant biofilm and inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an observational study, the suprastructures of 34 patients with cemented fixed implant-supported restorations were revised. In 20 patients, a methacrylate cement (Premier Implant cement [PIC]) and in 14 patients, a zinc oxide eugenol cement (Temp Bond [TB]) were used. After revision, TB was used for recementation. During revision and follow-up after 1 year, microbial samples were obtained.

RESULTS

Excess cement was found in 12 (60%) of the 20 patients with PIC. Suppuration was observed in two (25%) implants with PIC without excess cement (PIC-) and in all 12 (100%) implants with PIC and excess cement (PIC+). Implants cemented with TB had neither excess cement nor suppuration. The taxonomic analysis of the microbial samples revealed an accumulation of periodontal pathogens in the PIC patients independent of the presence of excess cement. Significantly, fewer oral pathogens occurred in patients with TB compared to patients with PIC. TB was used in all cases (PIC and TB) for recementation. In the follow-up check, suppuration was not found around any of the implants with PIC-, only around one implant with PIC+ and around one implant with TB. Bacterial species associated with severe periodontal infections that were abundant in PIC- and PIC+ samples before the revision were reduced after 1 year to levels found in the TB samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The revision and recementation with TB had a positive effect on the peri-implant biofilm in cases with PIC. The cementation of suprastructures on implants with TB is an alternative method to be considered.

Effect of artificial saliva with different pH levels on the cytotoxicity of soft denture lining materials

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of 9 different soft denture liners on the viability of L-929 mouse fibroblast cells at different incubation periods by storing them in artificial saliva (AS) with different pH levels.

METHODS

96 disk samples from each lining material were prepared and divided into 4 groups: GI: No treatment; GII: Stored in artificial saliva with pH 3 for 21 days; Group III: Stored in artificial saliva with pH 7 for 21 days; and Group IV: Stored in artificial saliva with pH 14 for 21 days. The cytotoxicity of the extracts to cultured mouse fibroblasts (L-929) was measured by MTT (tetrazolium salt 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-dipHnyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variation (ANOVA).

RESULTS

It was found that for the pH 3 values of New Truliner, Trusoft, Mollosil Plus, Dentusil, TDV, and HydroCast®; for the pH 7 values of Ufi Gel P and Elite plus; and for the pH 14 values of HydroCast®, there was a noncytotoxic effect during both the 24-hour and 48-hour incubation periods. In the control group 48-hour incubation period, HydroCast®, TDV, Mollosil, 24-hour incubation period Elite plus, for pH 3 values; Elite Plus 24-hour incubation period, for pH 7 values Trusoft 48-hour incubation period there was a moderately cytotoxic effect.

CONCLUSIONS

This in vitro study revealed that storage in artificial saliva with different pH levels can affect the cytotoxicity of soft lining materials.

Evaluation of color changes of dental luting materials in food colorant solutions

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare the color stability and water absorption of 3 commercially available resin cements in vitro by storing them in 0.15% erythrosine, dark brown and sunset yellow for 30 days.

METHODS

2 self-adhesive resin cements and 1 dual/light curing, resin-based dental luting material were evaluated (total 120 samples). The CIE L, a, b of 10 mm diameter-2.0 mm height disk shaped samples was measured using a spectrophotometer for color stability on a white background, 10 mm diameter-1.0 mm height disk shaped samples were measured for water absorption before and after storage in food colorant solutions.

RESULTS

The self-adhesive resin cement-sunset yellow group caused the most severe discoloration (27.89 ± 3.64) that is clinically unacceptable. The lowest discoloration was seen in the self-adhesive resin cement control group (3.35 ± 1.13). The highest water absorption was observed in the self-adhesive resin cement-dark brown group (2.41 ± 0.60) and the lowest water absorption in the dental luting material-control group (0.65 ± 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Storage food colorant solutions affected the color stability and water absorption of different resin cement materials.

Avaliação da rugosidade superficial e análise morfológica de cimentos de ionômero de vidro: influência do armazenamento em saliva artificial

Resumo Introdução O desenvolvimento dos cimentos de ionômero de vidro (CIVs) proporcionou vantagens aos procedimentos restauradores diretos devido a suas propriedades, como adesão química à estrutura dentária e liberação de flúor. No entanto, o ambiente bucal pode promover condições capazes de alterar a superfície deste material. Objetivo Avaliar a rugosidade superficial e a morfologia de superfície de quatro cimentos de ionômero de vidro (Ketac Molar Easy Mix, Vitremer, Vitro Molar e Maxxion), quando imersos em diferentes soluções de saliva artificial. Material e método Dez amostras de cada material foram confeccionadas e a rugosidade superficial foi avaliada antes e após imersão em saliva artificial ácida e neutra, durante 28 dias, por meio de um rugosímetro (Surftest SJ - 40), e a análise morfológica deu-se através de microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os valores médios de rugosidade foram submetidos aos testes de Kruskal-Wallis e de Wilcoxon, além do teste de Mann Whitney, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultado Os valores de rugosidade foram maiores estatisticamente após a imersão em saliva ácida e neutra para todos os materiais, exceto o Vitromolar, que não apresentou diferença estatística entre as médias de rugosidade antes e após imersão em saliva neutra. O Maxxion R apresentou estatisticamente maiores valores de rugosidade quando comparado aos outros materiais após imersão em saliva neutra e ácida. Conclusão A rugosidade superficial dos cimentos de ionômero de vidro aumentou após imersão em saliva neutra e ácida para a maioria dos cimentos estudados. A solução de armazenagem ácida promoveu aumento da rugosidade superficial para o Maxxion R e o Vitro Molar.

Effect of dental cements on peri-implant microbial community: comparison of the microbial communities inhabiting the peri-implant tissue when using different luting cements

BACKGROUND

Cementing dental restorations on implants poses the risk of undetected excess cement. Such cement remnants may favor the development of inflammation in the peri-implant tissue. The effect of excess cement on the bacterial community is not yet known. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of two different dental cements on the composition of the microbial peri-implant community.

METHODS

In a cohort of 38 patients, samples of the peri-implant tissue were taken with paper points from one implant per patient. In 15 patients, the suprastructure had been cemented with a zinc oxide-eugenol cement (Temp Bond, TB) and in 23 patients with a methacrylate cement (Premier Implant Cement, PIC). The excess cement found as well as suppuration was documented. Subgingival samples of all patients were analyzed for taxonomic composition by means of 16S amplicon sequencing.

RESULTS

None of the TB-cemented implants had excess cement or suppuration. In 14 (61%) of the PIC, excess cement was found. Suppuration was detected in 33% of the PIC implants without excess cement and in 100% of the PIC implants with excess cement. The taxonomic analysis of the microbial samples revealed an accumulation of oral pathogens in the PIC patients independent of the presence of excess cement. Significantly fewer oral pathogens occurred in patients with TB compared to patients with PIC.

CONCLUSION

Compared with TB, PIC favors the development of suppuration and the growth of periodontal pathogens.

Effect of calcium chloride on physical properties of calcium-enriched mixture cement

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding 10% calcium chloride (CaCl2) on the setting time, solubility and the pH of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement. Setting time was assessed in accordance with American Dental Association specification N°57. Solubility was measured at 24 and 72 h, 7 and 14 days in hydrated and dehydrated conditions by calculating weight change. The pH of MiliQ water in which the CEM cement samples were immersed was measured immediately after each time interval with and without the addition of CaCl2. The data were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Student's t-test. The initial setting time was significantly decreased after the addition of 10% CaCl2. The pH of water increased immediately when in contact with the cements in both groups. The weight loss of hydrated and dehydrated specimens was more than 3% and was significantly reduced by the addition of 10% CaCl2.

Accuracy of Ceramic Restorations Made Using an In-office Optical Scanning Technique: An In Vitro Study

The present in vitro study concerns determination of the pre-cementation gap width of all-ceramic crowns made using an in-office digital-impression technique and subsequent computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) production. Two chairside video camera systems were used: the Lava Oral scanner and Cadent's iTero scanner. Digital scans were made of a first molar typodont tooth that was suitably prepared for an all-ceramic crown. The digital impressions were sent via the Internet to commercial dental laboratories, where the crowns were made. Also, an impression of the typodont tooth was made, poured, and scanned in order to evaluate the pre-cementation gap of crowns produced from scanning stone dies. These methods and systems were evaluated by creating replicas of the intermediate space using an addition-cured silicone, and the gap widths were determined using a measuring microscope. Hot-pressed leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic crowns were selected as a reference. The mean value for the marginal measuring points of the control was 170 μm, and the values for all the evaluated crowns ranged from 107 to 128 μm. Corresponding figures for the internal measuring points were 141-210 μm and 115-237 μm, respectively. Based on the findings in the present study, an in-office digital-impression technique can be used to fabricate CAD/CAM ceramic single crowns with a marginal and internal accuracy that is on the same level as that of a conventional hot-pressed glass-ceramic crown. In the present study, however, slight differences could be seen between the two types of ceramic crowns studied with respect to the internal fit obtained.

Does residual cement around implant-supported restorations cause peri-implant disease? A retrospective case analysis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between patients with a history of periodontitis and development of cement-related peri-implant disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-seven patients with 129 implants for this retrospective analysis were selected from completed implant cases that were scheduled for regular maintenance or had experienced mechanical or biological complications between years 2006 and 2011 in private practice. Implants with extracoronal residual cement and implants without cement remnants were analyzed. The selected cases were further divided into two groups--implants in patients with history of periodontitis (1) and implants in periodontitis-free individuals (2). The selection of these groups was made on the basis of treatment history and orthopantomograph. As a control group, a set of 238 screw-retained implant restorations, delivered to 66 patients during the same period of time was examined. The incidence of peri-implant disease among implants in all groups was calculated.

RESULTS

Peri-implant disease was evident in 62 of 73 implants with cement remnants (85%). All implants in group 1 developed peri-implantitis--4 early and 35 delayed disease cases. In the periodontally healthy group, 20 of 31 implants were diagnosed with peri-implant mucositis, 3 implants had early peri-implantitis, and 11 implants with cement remnants did not develop biological complications. In the group of implants without cement remnants, peri-implant disease was diagnosed in 17 of 56 cases (30%). In contrast, only two occurrences of peri-implant disease were registered in the control group of screw-retained restorations (1.08%).

CONCLUSIONS

Implants with cement remnants in patients with history of periodontitis may be more likely to develop peri-implantitis, compared with patients without history of periodontal infection.

Analysis of the properties of dental cements after exposure to incubation media containing Streptococcus mutans

AIM

Indirect restorations are increasingly used in dentistry, and the cementation interface is possibly the most critical region of the work. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the influence of exposure to a culture medium containing S. mutans on the hardness and solubility of four different cementing agents (zinc phosphate, glass ionomer, glass ionomer modified with resin and resin cement).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Test specimens composed of these cements were exposed for 30 days in a culture medium containing S. mutans. After leaching, the test materials were assessed in terms of their solubility (loss of mass) and Knoop (KHN) microhardness. Changes in surface morphology were identified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

The resin cement showed no significant solubility and its hardness increased following exposure and leaching, while the zinc phosphate cement was the most soluble and its hardness decreased after exposure to the culture medium. SEM analyses identified morphological alterations on the surfaces of the test materials that were compatible with the solubility results.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that resinous cements perform better than water-based cements when exposed to acidic conditions.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The effects of acids from Streptococcus mutans can interfere with the efficiency and properties of some cements used for fixation of indirect restorations, exposed to the buccal environment.

Surface roughness of orthodontic band cements with different compositions

Objectives

The present study evaluated comparatively the surface roughness of four orthodontic band cements after storage in various solutions.

Material and Methods

eight standardized cylinders were made from 4 materials: zinc phosphate cement (ZP), compomer (C), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and resin cement (RC). Specimens were stored for 24 h in deionized water and immersed in saline (pH 7.0) or 0.1 M lactic acid solution (pH 4.0) for 15 days. Surface roughness readings were taken with a profilometer (Surfcorder SE1200) before and after the storage period. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (comparison among cements and storage solutions) or paired t-test (comparison before and after the storage period) at 5% significance level.

Results

The values for average surface roughness were statistically different (p<0.001) among cements at both baseline and after storage. The roughness values of cements in a decreasing order were ZP>RMGIC>C>R (p<0.001). After 15 days, immersion in lactic acid solution resulted in the highest surface roughness for all cements (p<0.05), except for the RC group (p>0.05). Compared to the current threshold (0.2 µm) related to biofilm accumulation, both RC and C remained below the threshold, even after acidic challenge by immersion in lactic acid solution.

Conclusions

Storage time and immersion in lactic acid solution increased the surface roughness of the majority of the tested cements. RC presented the smoothest surface and it was not influenced by storage conditions.