In-vitro Study on Temperature Changes in the Pulp Chamber Due to Thermo-Curing of Glass Ionomer Cements

Staklenoionomerni cementi (SIC) primjenjuju se zbog mnogih svojstava poput izlučivanja fluora, kemijske adhezije na zubna tkiva, neznatne kontrakcije pri stvrdnjavanju, koeficijenta termalne ekspanzije vrlo sličnog zubu, niskog puzanja materijala i dobre stabilnosti boje. No zbog sporog stvrdnjavanja osjetljivi su na rani kontakt s vlagom. Primjena eksterne energije, poput ultrazvuka i zagrijavanja (thermo-curing), opisana je kao postupak za ubrzavanje kemijske reakcije stvrdnjavanja i poboljšanja fizikalnih svojstava materijala. Svrha: Željelo se analizirati temperaturne promjene u pulpnoj komori nakon primjene zagrijavanja za ubrzavanje stvrdnjavanja staklenoionomernog cementa. Materijal i metode: U istraživanju je korišten kapsulirani staklenoionomerni cement Equia Forte (GC). Temperaturne promjene u pulpnoj komori mjerene su termoelektričnim osjetnikom u kavitetima dubokima 2,6 i 4,7 mm s ispunima i bez ispuna. Rezultati: Uočen je porast temperature (ΔT) u pulpnoj komori od 3,7 °C. Promjena temperature (ΔT) u kavitetima dubine 2,6 i 4,7 mm bez ispuna iznosila je 4,2 °C i 2,6 °C. Nakon postavljanja ispuna porast temperature u pulpnoj komori bio je niži – od 1,9 °C do 2,4 °C. Zaključak: Može se zaključiti da je primjena postupka thermo-cure tijekom stvrdnjavanja SIC-a sigurna za pulpu i može se preporučiti u kliničkoj praksi.The application of the Glass Ionomer Cements in clinical dentistry is recommended due to properties such as fluoride release, chemical adhesion to tooth, negligible setting shrinkage, and coefficient of thermal expansion close to tooth, low creep, and good color stability. However, the cement is vulnerable to early exposure to moisture due to slow setting characteristics. The uses of external energy such as ultrasound and radiant heat (Thermo-curing) have been reported to provide acceleration of the setting chemistry and enhance physical properties. Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze temperature changes in the pulpal chamber when using radiant heat to accelerate the setting of GICs. Matherials and methods: The encapsulated GIC Equia Forte was used for this study. The temperature changes in the pulp were measured using thermocouple in the cavities which were 2,6 and 4,7mm deep with and without filling. Results: The results showed that a temperature rise (ΔT) in the pulp chamber was 3,7°C. ΔT for the 2.6mm and 4.7mm deep cavity and without placing any restoration the temperature was 4,2°C and 2,6°C respectively. After the restoration has been placed, the ΔT range in the pulp chamber was lower ranging from 1.9°C to 2.4°C. Conclusion: It could be concluded that Thermo-curing of the GIC during the setting is safe for the pulp and can be recommended in clinical practice