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Published on: April 26, 2024
Radiopacity of calcium hydroxide cement compared with human tooth structure
Karina Lopes Devito1, Ana Isabel Ortega, Francisco Haiter-Neto
1Department of Oral Radiology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Brazil.
Journal of Applied Oral Science : Revista FOB
|October 27, 2010
Summary
Three calcium hydroxide cements demonstrated radiopacity comparable to enamel, meeting ISO standards. This ensures effective radiographic detection of secondary caries, crucial for pulp protection in extensive dental cavities.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Radiology
- Cariology
Background:
- Adequate radiopacity of dental materials is essential for detecting secondary caries.
- Calcium hydroxide cements are commonly used as base materials for pulp protection in extensive cavities.
- Improving radiographic detection of these base materials is critical for effective treatment monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine and compare the radiopacity of three calcium hydroxide cements (Hydro-C, Dycal, Life).
- To evaluate the radiopacity of these cements against human dentin and enamel.
- To assess compliance with radiographic detection standards for dental materials.
Main Methods:
- Radiographs of 1-mm thick specimens of three calcium hydroxide cements, dentin, and enamel were taken.
- An aluminum stepwedge and lead foil were used as references.
- Densitometric measurements were performed, and radiopacity was expressed as aluminum equivalence (mm Al).
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference in radiopacity was found only for the Life cement, which was the lowest among the tested cements.
- All tested calcium hydroxide cements and enamel exhibited a radiopacity equivalent to 2 mm Al.
- Human dentin showed a radiopacity equivalent to 1 mm Al.
Conclusions:
- All evaluated calcium hydroxide cements possess radiopacity similar to enamel.
- The tested cements meet the radiopacity requirements specified by ISO 4049.
- These findings support the use of these cements for effective radiographic detection of secondary caries.
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