Radiopacity of conventional, resin-modified glass ionomer, and resin-based luting materials

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the radiopacity of currently available dental luting materials. Five conventional cements, six resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGIs), two methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based acrylic resins (eight shades), and nine composite luting materials were evaluated. Radiographs of the specimens were taken together with tooth slices and aluminum step wedges. The density of the specimens was determined with a densitometer and was expressed in terms of the equivalent thickness of aluminum per 2.0-mm unit thickness of specimen. The radiopacity values for human enamel and dentin were 4.3 and 2.3 mm Al/2.0 mm specimen, respectively. The values for materials ranged from 5.1 to 12.9 for conventional luting materials, from 3.4 to 6.3 for RMGIs, from less than 0.5 to 7.3 for MMA resins, and from 2.3 to 9.9 for the composite luting materials. A zinc phosphate cement showed the highest value (12.9), whereas five shades of MMA resin resulted in the lowest value (less than 0.5). Two RMGIs and three composite luting materials exhibited radiopacity values between those of enamel (4.3) and dentin (2.3). It can be concluded that the radiopacity value of luting materials varies considerably, and that care must be taken when selecting luting materials, considering the material composition of restorations.