Evaluation of the Physical Properties of Different Modifications of Glass Ionomer Dental Restorative Materials in Primary Dentition: A Comparative Ex Vivo Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the physical properties of different modifications of glass ionomer cement, namely giomer, zirconomer, and type IX glass ionomer cement (GIC) (pediatric), with resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) in the primary dentition in terms of their compressive strength (CS), flexural strength (FS), wear resistance, and microleakage. Materials and methods: A total of 224 extracted human primary molars were selected and allocated into three interventions and one control group (n =14); group I: RMGIC (control group), group II: giomer, group III: zirconomer, and group IV: type IX GIC (pediatric). The samples (n = 14) were restored after making standardized class II cavities and then evaluated for CS using a universal testing machine. The evaluation for FS was done using a three-point bending test on bar-shaped tooth samples (n = 14) after restoration. To assess wear resistance, restored tooth samples (n = 14) were evaluated after being subjected to a two-body wear test. For microleakage tests, restored tooth samples (n = 14) were prepared and subjected to thermocycling after storage in distilled water for 24 hours. After applying two coats of nail varnish 1 mm short of the restorative margins, samples were sectioned buccolingually and immersed in methylene blue dye for 24 hours. The evaluation of the cut sections was done using a stereomicroscope. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Type IX GIC (pediatric) exhibited significantly greater CS, FS, and wear resistance in primary teeth as compared to RMGIC, giomer, and zirconomer in primary teeth. However, there was no significant difference in microleakage among the tested restorative materials. Conclusion: Primary teeth restored with type IX GIC (pediatric) exhibited superior physical properties compared to other materials tested. However, further in vitro and clinical trials with large sample sizes are recommended to validate these results. Clinical relevance: Although GIC is the most frequently used dental material for restorative purposes in pediatric dentistry, the long-term success of conventional GIC is questionable due to suboptimal physical properties. The results of the study will help restore primary teeth with improved physical properties and long-term success. How to cite this article: Mehta V, Srivastava N, Chaudhry SA, et al. Evaluation of the Physical Properties of Different Modifications of Glass Ionomer Dental Restorative Materials in Primary Dentition: A Comparative Ex Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(S-1):S86-S93.