Evaluation of Microleakage Using Different Luting Cements in Kedo Zirconia Crowns: An In Vitro Assessment

Abstract

Introduction A space between the prepared tooth and the cemented crown can cause microleakage, allowing microorganisms to enter, which in turn leads to the breakdown of the luting cement. To achieve an optimum fit, several factors should be considered, including the type of crown used, the taper of tooth preparation, and the type of cementing agent. Aim The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the microleakage of zirconia crowns cemented with glass ionomer cement (GIC), resin-modified GIC (RMGIC), and self-adhesive resin cement. Materials Forty-five primary mandibular molars were divided into three groups: Group I receiving GIC, Group II receiving RMGIC, and Group III receiving self-adhesive resin cement. These cements were used to lute the teeth with Kedo zirconia crowns. The restored samples underwent thermal cycling and were assessed for microleakage under a stereomicroscope. For the statistical analysis, SPSS version 23.0 was used. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages. Analytical statistics, including the Mann Whitney U test, were used to assess the differences in the level of microleakage between the groups at p < 0.05. Results The Mann Whitney U test revealed no significant difference in the level of microleakage between GIC and RMGIC (p = 0.072). However, self-adhesive resin cement showed significantly less microleakage than GIC (p = 0.000). Similarly, when comparing RMGIC and self-adhesive resin cement, the latter showed significantly less microleakage than the former (p = 0.001). Conclusion Microleakage of Kedo zirconia crowns on mandibular first molars was highest when luted with GIC, followed by RMGIC, and was least when luted with self-adhesive resin cement.

Keywords: crowns; luting cement; milk teeth; primary molars; thermocycling.

Figure 1. Assessment of microleakage using various luting agents: A - Using glass ionomer cement; B - Using resin-modified glass ionomer cement; C - Using self-adhesive resin cement.