Evaluation of radioopacities of current restorative materials by digital radiography system

Evaluation of Radioopacities of Current Restorative Materials by Digital Radiography System Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the radiopacities of restorative materials such as Zinch phosphate cement, glass ionomeric materials (conventional glass ionomer cement, carbomer, a glass ionomer with high bioactivity, high viscosity glass ionomer cements), direct composites, bulk-fill composites, amalgam, hybrid ceramics used in clinics by using digital radiography and compare them with enamel and dentin. Significance: The radiopacity of dental materials used in restorations is particularly important for radiographic diagnosis. Dental materials having optimal radioopacity; required for observation of restoration margins, diagnosis of secondary caries, monitoring of adaptation of cavity edges restoration, radiographic detection of cavities and recurrent caries Materials and Methods: In this study, 17 dental materials, enamel and dentin radioopacities were tested. Materials that are frequently used in restorative dentistry clinical applications were selected for use in the study. All materials and enamel, dentin samples are 5 mm in diameter; prepared as 4 samples of each 1 mm, 2 mm and 4 mm thickness. To obtain enamel and dentin samples, 4 newly extracted molar teeth were used. The aluminum step wedge was used as a reference to assess the relationship between the density of samples and aluminum. 4 samples of each material, dental sections and aluminum step-wedge were irradiated by placing on the phosphor plate and the image receptor phosphor plate was screened on the computer monitor after scanning with a special scanner. Following the determination of the radioopacities of the samples by digital radiographs, they were transferred to an image processing plot. With the program, 3 measurements (12 measurements per material) from each sample were made and the average of the values was calculated. These values have been converted to Al. Results: The measurement of radiopacity test data showed that radioopacity was significantly affected by the thickness of the material and the type of the material (p <0.05). The materials with the lowest radiopacity value in 1mm thickness are GCP Glass Fill and Vita Enamic in 2 and 4mm. The materials with the highest radiopacity values were Adhesor with 1 and 2 mm thickness and Master Dent in 4 mm after amalgam. Conclusion: Significant difference was observed in radiopacities of restorative materials with different thicknesses. Radiopacity was affected by material thickness and type. Key Words: Radiopacity, Bulk-Fill Composite, Glass Ionomer Cement, Hybrid Ceramic.