Fracture strength of pulpotomized primary molars : an in-vitro evaluation of four restorative approaches

Abstract EN

In this study, four types of restorative materials including, unbonded amalgam, packable posterior bonded composite resin, packable glass ionomer restorative cement and preformed metal crown were evaluated.

To determine the extent to which these restorative materials would strengthen weakened second primary molars, and the ability of using them as alternatives to the traditionally used preformed metal crown.

One hundred and twenty recently extracted sound and carious human primary mandibular and maxillary 2nd molars were selected cleaned with non-flouridated pumice and received a Mesio-Occlusal-Distal cavity preparation and pulpotomy procedure.

Cavity dimensions were made convenient to do a standard pulpotomy procedure.

The samples were divided into six main groups as follows: 1.

Group I: 20 teeth with pulpotomy and Mesio-Occlusal-Distal cavity preparation, left without restoration, except for the pulpotomy paste.

2.

Group II: 20 teeth with pulpotomy and Mesio-Occlusal-Distal cavity preparation, received non-gamma II high copper unbonded amalgam.

3.

Group III: 20 teeth with pulpotomy and Mesio-Occlusal-Distal cavity preparation, received highly filled packable posterior composite resin and a bonding agent.

4.

Group IV: 20 teeth with pulpotomy and Mesio-Occlusal-Distal cavity preparation, received highly filled packable glass ionomer restorative material.

5.

Group V: 20 teeth with pulpotomy and Mesio-Occlusal-Distal cavity preparation, received preformed metal crowns.

6.

Group VI: 20 teeth sound and intact (control group).

The statistical analysis of the results depending on the point of fracture for each specimen showed that unbonded amalgam does not cause any improvement to cuspal fracture resistance.

While bonded composite resin, glass ionomer restorative cement and preformed metal crown all have caused a significant improvement to cuspal fracture resistance, on the other hand glass ionomer restorative cement produced a greater resistance to fracture than did bonded composite resin.