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Radiopacity of dental cements
H Matsumura1, M Sueyoshi, T Tanaka
1Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, Nagasaki University School of Dentistry, Japan.
American Journal of Dentistry
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Dental cements like zinc phosphate and polycarboxylate are more radiopaque than enamel, aiding detection on dental radiographs. Some glass ionomer cements, however, may be less radiopaque than dentin.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Radiology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Radiopacity is crucial for detecting dental materials and distinguishing them from tooth decay on radiographs.
- Commonly used dental luting cements include zinc phosphate, polycarboxylate, and glass ionomer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare the radiopacity of zinc phosphate, polycarboxylate, and glass ionomer dental luting materials.
- To evaluate if these materials possess sufficient radiopacity for clear visualization against tooth substrates in dental radiographs.
Main Methods:
- Radiographs of standardized 2 mm thick cement specimens were taken alongside tooth slices and aluminum step wedges.
- Radiographic density was measured using a densitometer.
- Radiopacity was expressed as equivalent aluminum thickness per unit material thickness.
Main Results:
- Zinc phosphate and polycarboxylate cements exhibited radiopacity values exceeding that of enamel (3.5).
- One glass ionomer material demonstrated a radiopacity value lower than that of dentin (2.0).
Conclusions:
- A radiopacity value greater than 3.5 is suggested as desirable for effective detection and differentiation from carious lesions.
- Material selection should consider radiopacity for optimal diagnostic interpretation in dental radiography.