Evaluation of microhardness of newly developed glass carbomer-based dental filling material

Abstract

Aim: This study measured the microhardness of a newly developed glass carbomer dental filling material within the first 24 hours after setting and compared it against that of two different glass ionomers, with and without heating during setting, and a resin-modified glass ionomer. Methodology: Six cavities were prepared on acrylic resin discs. PMMA blocks were randomly divided into six groups of six cylinders and each cavity was filled with one of the tested materials according to their group. The groups were: Group1, Fuji Triage™ with heat; Group 2, GCP Glass Fill™; Group 3, Equia™ with heat; Group 4, Riva LC™; Group 5, Fuji Triage™; and Group 6, Equia™. Microhardness was measured by the Vickers hardness scale using a microindentation hardness tester at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours after initial setting of the materials. Results: Fuji Triage™ with heat applied during setting (Group 1) proved to be the hardest material, while Riva LC™ (Group 4) and GCP Glass Fill™ (Group 2) were the softest. Heating the Fuji Triage™ during the initial setting period significantly increased its physical strength after 24 hours. Conclusions: It was seen that microhardness of materials which used in our study was effected both time and heat.