interface of glass ionomer sealer and conditioned elephant tusk dentine: a scanning electron microscopy study

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this in vitro study was to characterize the interface of glass ionomer sealer and dentine conditioned with common endodontic irrigants through scanning electron microscope. The interface between Ketac-Cem radiopaque glass ionomer sealer and elephant tusk dentine conditioned with distilled water, citric acid and phosphoric acid was investigated. Cylinder of glass ionomer sealer was formed on the conditioned dentine surface and allowed to set for 60 minutes. The specimens were first shear tested to failure to determine their adhesive bond strength. Three debonded dentine specimens from each group were then processed for scanning electron microscopic study. The test failed surface of the strongest, intermediate and weakest bond strength specimens were examined. The specimens were cross sectioned and the interface was examined. The microscopic detail of the debonded interfaces between glass ionomer sealer and dentine was assessed in this study. Failures in all of the specimens were found to be mainly cohesive in nature