Comparison of micro-hardness of Conventional Glass ionomer cement, Glass ionomer cement reinforced with Calcium oxide and Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles

Abstract

Background

Glass Ionomer Cement (GICs) are commonly used in dentistry because of their chemical adhesion to dental tissues, biocompatibility, fluoride release ability, minimal microleakage at the tooth-restoration interface, and anti-cariogenic potential, but they have relatively poor mechanical properties. Hydroxyapatite[HA] is the primary mineral component of enamel and comprises more than  60% of Dentin weight. Hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring form of calcium phosphate, is the main mineral component of teeth and bones. Natural hydroxyapatite and bone are biocompatible because they have relatively similar chemical and physical characteristics. The porous structure of hydroxyapatite is similar to that of natural bone due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and bioactivity. HA is commonly used in interdisciplinary fields of science commonly.

Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to compare the microhardness of conventional GIC and GIC-reinforced calcium oxide and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles.

Materials and methods:

15 disc-shaped samples of GIC restorative material with 2 mm of thickness were prepared using a customised mould.  The samples were subdivided into three groups with 5 samples in each group. The Vickers microhardness test was carried out using a Shimadzu HMV-G microhardness tester with a load of 300 g with a well time of 15 seconds.

Results and discussion:

As a result, by comparing the microhardness of conditional GIC and GIC reinforced with calcium oxide and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles using SPSS ANOVA Test. The p-value is found to differ significantly from 0.00353, i.e., p<0.05.

Conclusion:

Conclusively, the value of the GIC reinforced with HA nanoparticles is higher when compared to CaO. So, GIC reinforced with HA nanoparticles has higher micro-hardness.