Radiopacity evaluations of the novel calcium-silicate and glass-Ionomer-based materials

Abstract

Aims: Radiopacity is a crucial property for a liner or base material, and these materials should provide an optimal contrast for detecting secondary caries in radiographic examinations. The purpose of this study was to assess the radiopacity characteristics of four calcium-silicate-based and two glass-ionomer-based materials used as a liner or base in direct or indirect vital pulp therapy. Methods: A total of 60 cylindrical-shaped and 1 mm thick specimens were prepared from a calcium-silicate (Biodentine, Septodont), a calcium-silicate (MTA, Angelus), a light-cured resin-modified calcium silicate (TheraCal LC, Bisco), a dual-cured resin-modified calcium silicate (TheraCal PT, Bisco), a glass hybrid glass-ionomer (Equia Forte HT, GC), and a resin-modified glass ionomer (Glass Liner, Wp Dental) material (n=10). Digital radiographic images of the specimens, a molar tooth section with 1 mm thickness, and an aluminum step wedge were obtained by a digital radiography system (Heliodent Plus, Dentsply Sirona) with 60 kV voltage, 7 mA current, and 0.25 seconds exposure time. The mean gray values (MGV) of digital images were determined using the ImageJ software program (National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (pBiodentine>Equia Forte HT>Theracal PT>Theracal LC>Glass Liner, respectively. All the tested liner or base materials exhibited significantly greater radiopacity values when compared to those of dentin (p