Physical and mechanical properties of conventional glass ionomer cement incorporated with cationic substances

Abstract

Background: The effect of the antimicrobial agents benzalkonium chloride (BC) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) on the restorative glass ionomer tooth cement (GIC) Fuji IX was investigated. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to determine whether the addition of antimicrobial compounds impairs the physical and mechanical properties of the commercial GIC Fuji IX. Materials and Methods: The concentrations of 1%, 2% and 3% of antimicrobial agentsBC and CPC, by weight of the cement, were added during the mixing phase and different effects were studied. In most samples, there was a slight change in setting time. Samples with 4 mm diameter and 6 mm height were used to measure compressive strength and release. The release of antimicrobial compounds was analysed by UV-visible spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 259 nm for CPC and 214 nm for BC, in deionized water. Results: The obtained results showed that the release takes place through the diffusion mechanism in the first 2-3 hours, and the diffusion coefficients vary depending on the concentration. The values range is from 1.97 x 10-14 -1.78 x 10-12 m2 s-1. Release of antimicrobial compound had ceased after seven days, with total release representing between 2.15 and 4.84% of the initial additive loading. Conclusion: Both compounds have minor effect on the setting time of the GIC. The reduction of compressive strength is not statistically significant. CPC containing cements (1 and 2%), were statistically significantly weaker, than those containing BC (p<0.05).Both antimicrobial compounds have shown constant release from the GIC with values which are directly proportional both to the time and to the concentration.