Comparative Evaluation of Compressive Strength and Radio Opacity between Fuji I Glass Ionomer and Iranian Glass Ionomer Luting Cements

 In luting cements, the compressive strength characteristics are important. Sufficient radio opacity for luting cements is helpful in detecting recurrent caries, open gingival margins and residual luting materials. The aim of the present study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of compressive strength and radio opacity between Fuji I glass ionomer (GC, Japan)  and Iranian glass ionomer luting cements ( produced by Qazvin Ava Tajhiz Co).

In this study, 20 samples were prepared for each cement group. The specimens were prepared with a powder to liquid ratio (1.8/1) and after mixing were poured in mold with a height of 6 mm and a diameter of 4 mm. Then; we evaluated the strength of the specimens. In the radio opacity study, the cement mixture was poured into mold with 15 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness. Then the specimens were tested using a digital radiography apparatus. Using Digora for Windows software, radiopacity of the samples were evaluted.

There was no significant difference between Fuji I (59.48 MPa) and Iranian cement (58.92 MPa) in regard to compressive strength (P=0.89). Radio opacity of Fuji I (2.4mmAl) was significantly higher than that of Iranian cement (1.85mmAL) (P =0.003).

The results of this study showed that both properties of compressive strength and radio opacity of the cements were within the range of ISO 9917-2: 2010. If other properties of the Iranian cement are suitable, it can be considered as an alternative to Fuji I glass ionomer cement.