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The solar selective absorber coating (SSAC) are at the core of the efficient solar-thermal system. In this paper, for the first time, the Chromium-iron oxidation mixture cermet was successfully prepared on the surface of ultra-pure ferritic stainless steel by chemical coloring as SSAC. The coating surface has an optical trap structure, and the chromium-iron oxidation mixture cermet is used as an absorption layer to realize solar-thermal conversion. The solar absorptance (AM1.5) of the coating reached 93.66, and the thermal emittance was less than 13. After thermal shock tests at 25/300 &deg, C done 32 times (accumulated 812.8 h), the Performance Criterion (PC) of the coating was 0.01375 &lt, 0.05, showing outstanding thermal stability.

The present work studies the microstructure and mechanical performance of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) based cermet toughened by iron particles. A novelty arises by the employment of spark plasma sintering for fabrication of the cermet. Results showed partial transformation of initial alpha TCP matrix to beta phase and the absence of oxidation of iron particles, as well as a lack of chemical reaction between TCP and iron components during sintering. The values of compressive and tensile strength of TCP/Fe cermet were 3.2 and 2.5 times, respectively, greater than those of monolithic TCP. Fracture analysis revealed the simultaneous action of crack-bridging and crack-deflection microstructural toughening mechanisms under compression. In contrast, under tension the reinforcing mechanism was only crack-bridging, being the reason for smaller increment of strength. Elastic properties of the cermet better matched values reported for human cortical bone. Thereby the new TCP/Fe cermet has potential for eventual use as a material for bone fractures fixation under load-bearing conditions.

Author(s): Mohammad, Noorjahan; Pattanaik, Snigdha; Reddy, Thimma Bv; Animireddy, Dwitha; Ankireddy, Swetha | Abstract: Purpose:This study evaluates the fracture strength of pulpotomized primary molars restored with amalgam, miracle mix, cermet, resin-modified glass ionomer cement, and nanocomposites. Materials and methods:Fifty primary first and second molars were collected for this study. All the teeth were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10). Standard pulpotomy cavities were prepared. Teeth were air dried and the canal orifices were capped with a layer of zinc oxide eugenol. A lining of calcium hydroxide was placed over it. Amalgam, miracle mix, cermet, resin-modified glass ionomer cement, and nanocomposite were placed in groups I, II, III, IV, and V, respectively. All the samples were then subjected to the fracture strength test using the universal testing machine and the results were statistically analyzed. Results:All the groups were compared by the ANOVA one-way test which indicated that there were statistically significant differences among the five groups. Conclusion:Nanocomposites can be considered to be the best restorative material in terms of fracture strength among amalgam, miracle mix, cermet, and resin-modified glass ionomer cement. How to cite this article:Mohammad N, Pattanaik S, et al. Comparative Evaluation of the Fracture Strength of Pulpotomized Primary Molars: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(1):5-9.

Background: Microleakage may cause tooth sensitivity, secondary caries, discoloration and even failure of the restoration. In order to overcome these potential problems, materials that are able to bind to the tooth structure have been developed, such as composite resin and glass ionomer cement. The purpose of the study was to compare microleakage arising from amalgam (Am), composite resin (CR), glass ionomer (GI), Ketac-Silver (KS), and GI filling with banding (GI+B) when these materials are used for class II restoration of a primary molar. Methods: Fifty primary molars were collected and class II cavities were prepared on each tooth. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups (Am, CR, GI, KS, and GI+B), each of which received a different material as part of the restoration. The restored teeth then underwent 100 cycles of thermocycling that consisted of 55°C for 30 seconds, 19°C for 20 seconds, and 5°C for 30 seconds. The teeth were then immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin solution for 24 hours. Afterwards, the teeth were embedded and sectioned mesiodistally through the center of each restoration. Dye penetration associated with the occlusal and cervical margins of each restoration was then assessed. Results: Cervical leakage was greater than occlusal leakage in the CR, GI and KS groups (p

Alumina-titanium materials (cermets) of enhanced mechanical properties have been lately developed. In this work, physical properties such as electrical conductivity and the crystalline phases in the bulk material are evaluated. As these new cermets manufactured by spark plasma sintering may have potential application for hard tissue replacements, their biocompatibility needs to be evaluated. Thus, this research aims to study the cytocompatibility of a novel alumina-titanium (25 vol. % Ti) cermet compared to its pure counterpart, the spark plasma sintered alumina. The influence of the particular surface properties (chemical composition, roughness and wettability) on the pre-osteoblastic cell response is also analyzed. The material electrical resistance revealed that this cermet may be machined to any shape by electroerosion. The investigated specimens had a slightly undulated topography, with a roughness pattern that had similar morphology in all orientations (isotropic roughness) and a sub-micrometric average roughness. Differences in skewness that implied valley-like structures in the cermet and predominance of peaks in alumina were found. The cermet presented a higher surface hydrophilicity than alumina. Any cytotoxicity risk associated with the new materials or with the innovative manufacturing methodology was rejected. Proliferation and early-differentiation stages of osteoblasts were statistically improved on the composite. Thus, our results suggest that this new multifunctional cermet could improve current alumina-based biomedical devices for applications such as hip joint replacements.

Aim The purpose of the present study was to determine the influence of glass ionomer cement and amalgam restoration on the level of Streptococcus mutans in the interproximal plaque at periodic intervals and also to compare these values. Materials and methods Seventeen adult patients having two proximal carious lesions on any quadrant of the jaw (either opposing or contralateral) were selected for this study. Carious lesions were diagnosed clinically and from bitewing radiographs. Of the two carious lesions, one was restored with glass ionomer cermet cement and another with amalgam. Plaque samples were collected from interproximal areas before and at 1 month and 3 months post-treatment in a test tube containing 5 ml of modified Stuart's liquid transport fluid. Identification of organisms in the colony was done after Gram staining. Results Comparison of values before restoration and after restoration at 1 month interval showed a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.001). Similarly, comparison of values before and after restorations at 3 months also showed statistically significant decrease (p < 0.02). But comparison of restorations of 1 and 3 months intervals showed no statistical significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusion Glass ionomer restorations have definite advantage over the amalgam, as the tunnel preparation is more conservative and fluoride release from the glass ionomer inhibits the growth of S. mutans in the plaque. Clinical significance Glass ionomer cement should be preferred over amalgam in conservatively prepared restorations as it reduces the microbial activities due to fluoride release. How to cite this article Tegginmani VS, Goel B, Uppin V, Horatti P, Kumar LSV, Nainani A. Comparison of Antibacterial Activity of Glass-ionomer Cement and Amalgam in Class Two Restorations by Streptococcus mutans Count Analysis at Fixed Intervals: An in vivo Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(3):381-386.

Objectives The purpose of this in vitro study is to compare the compressive strength (CS) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of the zirconia-reinforced restorative material (Zirconomer®) with conventional glass ionomers (Fuji 1X) and amalgam. Materials and methods Specimens (n = 120) were fabricated from silver amalgam, reinforced glass ionomer cement (GIC) (glass ionomer, Fuji 1X GC Corp.), and zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer (Zirconomer, Shofu Inc.) for testing the CS and DTS. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance, followed by a Tukey post hoc test. Results Both CS and DTS were found to be significantly higher for the zirconia-reinforced GIC and silver amalgam compared with GIC (p < 0.001). Conclusion A newer class of restorative material like Zirconomer helps to overcome the potential hazard of mercury, but retains the strength and durability of amalgam as well as the sustained high-fluoride release of GICs. Furthermore, long-term studies are required to confirm its use as an alternative to the currently available posterior restorative material. How to cite this article Chalissery VP, Marwah N, Almuhaiza M, AlZailai AM, Chalisserry EP, Bhandi SH, Anil S. Study of the Mechanical Properties of the Novel Zirconia-reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(5):394-398.

Ceramic/metal composites, cermets, arise from the idea to combine the dissimilar properties in the pure materials. This work aims to study the biocompatibility of new micro-nanostructured 3 Y-TZP/Ti materials with 25, 50 and 75 vol.% Ti, which have been successfully obtained by spark slasma sintering technology, as well as to correlate their surface properties (roughness, wettability and chemical composition) with the osteoblastic cell response. All samples had isotropic and slightly waved microstructure, with sub-micrometric average roughness. Composites with 75 vol.% Ti had the highest surface hydrophilicity. Surface chemical composition of the cermets correlated well with the relative amounts used for their fabrication. A cell viability rate over 80% dismissed any cytotoxicity risk due to manufacturing. Cell adhesion and early differentiation were significantly enhanced on materials containing the nanostructured 3 Y-TZP phase. Proliferation and differentiation of SaOS-2 were significantly improved in their late-stage on the composite with 75 vol.% Ti that, from the osseointegration standpoint, is presented as an excellent biomaterial for bone replacement. Thus, spark plasma sintering is consolidated as a suitable technology for manufacturing nanostructured biomaterials with enhanced bioactivity.

This in vitro study on fluoride (F) release from conventional and metal-reinforced glass ionomer investigated the following: (1) the release of F in deionized water compared to artificial saliva, (2) the effect of various surface coatings on F release, (3) the uptake of released F by hydroxyapatite, (4) the expression of the release data in a mathematical model, (5) F content in the powders and set materials, and (6) surface morphology of varnished and resin-coated specimens.Glass ionomer Ketac-Fil (KF), Fuji II (FJ), and Ketac-Silver (KS) were mixed according to the manufacturers' instructions, and prepared into specimens of 137.8 mm2 surface area. All three specimens were suspended in 50 ml of deionized water, artificial saliva, or aqueous solution of hydroxyapatite and submitted to constant agitation at 37 degrees C. In a separate experiment, the specimens were coated with varnish or light-cured bonding resin and tested for F release in solutions similar to those for uncoated specimens. The release of F occurred for 28 days. The concentration of F was measured with F-ion-specific electrode.All tested products showed a strong initial rate of F release which decreased with time until it reached a relatively steady rate after two weeks. The F released from KF and FJ was comparable in both pattern and magnitude. They released approximately four times more F than KS. In all cases, the release of F in artificial saliva was significantly (p0.001) less than in deionized water. Surface coating the specimens significantly reduced the F release ( p0.05 top0.001, depending on the product and type of coating). The inhibitory effect of coating markedly decreased with time. Resin coating reduced F release more than varnish in KF and KS, but not for FJ. Essentially, all F released in aqueous solution was taken up by the hydroxyapatite, with FJ ranking the highest in increasing hydroxyapatite F concentration. Over the 28 days, the quantities of F released from FJ, KF, and KS were, respectively, 3.8, 2.3, and 1.0% of the total F content in the specimens. The F concentration in the set KS was 53.9 and 72.5% of that found in KF and FJ, respectively. The release data as a function of time were best described by the power curve. Micromorphological examinations revealed remnants of surface coatings on specimens after 14 days storage in artificial saliva.Glass ionomer cements released significantly less F in artificial saliva than in deionized water. Surface coating the specimens substantially reduced F release. These clinically relevant factors were not considered by many in vitro release studies which overestimate the F availability from glass ionomers. A recall appointment 24 h after the placement of glass ionomer restoration should be given for surface finishing.

Purpose. This pilot study examined the cyclic fatigue of five endodontic post systems (AccessPost, Flexi-Flange, Flexi-Post, ParaPost, and Vlock) with four core materials (Tytin silver amalgam, Ti-Core, Ketac-Silver and G-C Miracle Mix). Material and methods. In vitro cyclic fatigue was performed with a machine designed to simulate masticatory fatigue forces. An instantaneous force of 22.2 N (5 pounds) was applied to each post and core combination for a test configuration of 4,000,000 repetitions, or until failure occurred. The type of failure and number of repetitions at failure was recorded for each sample tested. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare groups. Results. All posts/core samples with Ti-Core composite and Tytin silver amalgam completed the test with no failures. All posts/core samples with Ketac-Silver material failed before the 4,000,000 test cycle configuration and all failures were core failures. All posts/core samples with G-C Miracle Mix material failed in a similar manner. Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test illustrated that, with this simulated fatigue test, Ti-Core material and Tytin silver amalgam were superior to both G-C Miracle Mix and Ketac-Silver materials. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;78: 458-64.)

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a resistência à remoção por tração e a infiltração marginal de coroas totais fundidas cimentadas com cimento de ionômero de vidro, em dentes reconstruídos com duas formulações de cimento de ionômero de vidro, ou seja, Cermet e "mistura milagrosa", em comparação às coroas totais cimentadas em dentes com preparo para coroa total (sem reconstrução). Foram selecionados trinta molares superiores recém-extraídos, dez para cada condição experimental. Uma liga do sistema prata/estanho (M3) foi utilizada para obtenção das coroas totais. As amostras foram submetidas a ciclagens térmicas nas temperaturas de 5ºC, 37ºC e 55ºC, por sessenta minutos, durante sete dias. Para a última ciclagem térmica, foi utilizado o corante Rhodamina B a 0,1%, em solução aquosa. A seguir, as amostras foram lavadas e mantidas em condições ambientais por vinte e quatro horas, para serem levadas à máquina de ensaios universal, para os testes de remoção por tração axial. A análise de variância mostrou diferença estatisticamente significante, no nível de 5%, dos dentes sem reconstrução (controle), com relação aos dentes reconstruídos com "mistura milagrosa" e dentes reconstruídos com Cermet. Os dentes sem reconstrução apresentaram maior média aos testes de resistência por tração. Verificou-se, pela comparação individual entre as condições avaliadas, que o grupo reconstruído com "mistura milagrosa" e Cermet não mostrou diferença estatisticamente significante. Da mesma forma, foram elaboradas comparações individuais entre as condições avaliadas dos escores de infiltração, em que se pôde observar que houve significância entre os grupos de "mistura milagrosa" e Cermet com o grupo controle (dentes sem reconstrução). Os dentes reconstruídos com "mistura milagrosa" e Cermet não mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre siThe aim of this work was to measure tensile strength and microleakage of full cast crowns cemented on built-up cores using two formulations of glass-ionomer cement, Cermet and "miracle-mix", as compared to full cast crowns cemented exclusively on tooth structure. Thirty freshly extracted upper molars were selected, ten for each experimental condition. An alloy of the silver/tin system (M3) was employed to obtain the full crowns. The samples were thermocycled at 5ºC, 37ºC and 55ºC, for 60 minutes, during 7 days. For the last thermal cycle, 1% Rhodamine B aqueous solution dye was used. After that, the samples were washed and kept at room temperature for 24 hours, and taken to a universal testing machine for testing. The data were analyzed by parametric and non parametric statistical methods and the following conclusions were drawn: 1 - there was a statistically significant difference in removal resistance of cemented full crowns under the various conditions; 2 - the crowns cemented on the "miracle-mix" and Cermet reconstructed teeth showed statistically significant lower removal resistances than controls (teeth which had not been reconstructed); 3 - no statistically significant difference was found comparing teeth reconstructed either with "miracle-mix" or Cermet; 4 - no statistically significant differences were found between microleakage patterns in teeth rebuilt with the "miracle-mix" and with Cermet; 5 - statistically significant differences were found between microleakage patterns in teeth rebuilt with "miracle-mix" and Cermet cores as compared to the non reconstructed group (control)

The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the fractural load of four core materials supported by five post designs. This study was divided into 20 groups with 10 samples per group. Specimens were placed in a special jig at a 45-degree angle, and the fracture load values, in pounds, were obtained with the use of a universal testing machine. A 5 x 4 factorial design was used to assess and compare the fractural strength, and a two-way analysis of variance was used to determine whether the buccolingual, mesiodistal, and height dimensions differed across groupings. Mean fracture load values were obtained. Flexi-Post dowel/Ti-Core material at 277.1 pounds and ParaPost dowel/ Tytin silver amalgam at 277.3 pounds recorded the greatest mean values. These values were not statistically different. ParaPost dowel/Ketac-Silver material had the lowest mean value (49.6 pounds). For all posts Tytin silver amalgam and Ti-Core material were significantly stronger than Ketac-Silver and G-C Miracle Mix material. Ketac-Silver and G-C Miracle Mix materials did not differ from each other. Results indicated that Ti-Core composite material is at least as strong as Tytin silver amalgam.

Biofilms colonizing pipe surfaces of drinking water distribution systems could provide habitat and shelter for pathogenic viruses present in the water phase. This study aims (i) to develop a method to detect viral particles present in a drinking water biofilm and (ii) to study viral interactions with drinking water biofilms. A pilot scale system was used to develop drinking water biofilms on 3 materials (7 cm2 discs): PVC, cast iron and cement. Biofilms were inoculated with viral model including MS2, PhiX174 or adenovirus. Five techniques were tested to recover virus from biofilms. The most efficient uses beef extract and glycine at pH = 9. After sonication and centrifugation, the pH of the supernatant is neutralized prior to viral analysis. The calculated recovery rates varied from 29.3 to 74.6% depending on the virus (MS2 or PhiX174) and the material. Applying this protocol, the interactions of virus models (MS2 and adenovirus) with drinking water biofilms were compared. Our results show that adsorption of viruses to biofilms depends on their isoelectric points, the disc material and the hydrodynamic conditions. Applying hydrodynamic conditions similar to those existing in drinking water networks resulted in a viral adsorption corresponding to less than 1% of the initial viral load.

Standardized plastic analogues simulating an endodontically treated maxillary central incisor root were used to investigate the resistance to root fracture in endodontically treated teeth. Three different post and core systems were used: (1) cast post and core, (2) Para-Post Plus post, and (3) Flexi-Post post. The core build-up material selected in this study was Ketac Silver material, after which a crown preparation was made on each analogue. Two types of preparations were used: a wide chamfer margin (butt-joint) and a wide chamfer margin with a 1.0 mm circumferential bevel. An overcasting was fabricated and was permanently cemented on each preparation. Assemblies were subjected to an increasing lingual oblique force until fracture occurred. Results were tabulated using the analysis of variance (F test) and Student's t test. Beveled preparations with a concomitant final restoration provided a significant increased resistance to root fracture. Furthermore, vertical fracture occurred twice as often with nonbeveled preparations.

The clinical potential of the tunnel restoration is restrained by perceived difficulties of access to proximal caries and lack of long-term clinical data. This paper describes a technique that affords proximal access similar to that of a standard Class II cavity preparation and provides an evaluation of a technique, using capsulated glass ionomer cements. It is supported by more than nine years of clinical experience that confirms the viability of this procedure as an alternative to conventional Class II cavity restorations for initial proximal lesions.

This paper reviews our recent studies on fluoride-releasing adhesives and the related studies in this field based on information from original research papers, reviews, and patent literatures. A revolutionary PRG (pre-reacted glass ionomer) filler technology--where fillers were prepared by the acid-base reaction of a fluoroaluminosilicate glass with polyalkenoic acid in water, was newly developed, and a new category as "Giomer" was introduced into the market. On fluoride release capability, SIMS examination revealed in vitro fluoride ion uptake by dentin substrate from the PRG fillers in dental adhesive. On bonding durability, it was found that the improved durability of resin-dentin bonds might be achieved not only via the strengthened dentin due to fluoride ion uptake from the PRG-Ca fillers, but also due to retention of relatively insoluble 4-AETCa formed around remnant apatite crystallites within the hybrid layer in 4-AET-containing self-etching adhesives. On ultramorphological study of the resin-dentin interface, TEM images of the PRG-Ca fillers revealed that the dehydrated hydrogel was barely distinguishable from normal glass fillers, if not for the concurrent presence of remnant, incompletely reacted glass cores. In conclusion, it was expected that uptake of fluoride ions with cariostatic effect from PRG-Ca fillers would endow dentin substrates with the benefit of secondary caries prevention, together with an effective and durable adhesion to dentin.

RDF, the high calorific value fraction of MSW obtained by conventional separation systems, can be employed in technological plants (mainly cement kilns) in order to obtain a useful energy recovery. It is interesting and important to evaluate this possibility within the general framework of waste-to-energy solutions. The solution must be assessed on the basis of different aspects, namely: technological features and clinker characteristics; local atmospheric pollution; the effects of RDF used in cement kilns on the generation of greenhouse gases; the economics of conventional solid fuels substitution and planning perspectives, from the point of view of the destination of RDF and optimal cement kiln policy. The different experiences of this issue throughout Europe are reviewed, and some applications within Italy are also been considered. The main findings of the study are that the use of RDF in cement kilns instead of coal or coke offers environmental benefits in terms of greenhouse gases, while the formation of conventional gaseous pollutants is not a critical aspect. Indeed, the generation of nitrogen oxides can probably be lower because of lower flame temperatures or lower air excess. The presence of chlorinated micro-pollutants is not influenced by the presence of RDF in fuel, whereas depending on the quality of the RDF, some problems could arise compared to the substituted fuel as far as heavy metals are concerned, chiefly the more volatile ones.

Fluoride release is important characteristic of glass-ionomer cements. Quantity of fluoride ions released from the glass-ionomer cements has major importance in definition of their biological activity. The objectives of this study were to define the quantity of fluoride ions released from the experimental glass-ionomer cements and to define the effect of fluoride ions released from the experimental glass-ionomer cements on their cytotoxicity. Concentrations of the fluoride ions released in the evaluated glass-ionomer cements were measured indirectly, by the fluoride-selective WTW, F500 electrode potential, combined with reference R503/D electrode. Statistical analyses of F-ion concentrations released by all glass-ionomers evaluated at two time points, after 8 and after 24 hours, show statistically higher fluoride releases from RMGICs: Vitrebond, Fuji II LC and Fuji Plus, when compared to conventional glass-ionomer cements: Fuji Triage, Fuji IX GP Fast and Ketac Silver, both after 8 and after 24 hours. Correlation coefficient between concentrations of fluoride ion released by evaluated glass-ionomer cements and cytotoxic response of UMR-106 osteoblast cell-line are relatively high, but do not reach levels of biological significance. Correlation between concentrations of fluoride ion released and cytotoxic response of NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line after 8 hours is high, positive and statistically significant for conventional GICs, Fuji Triage and Fuji IX GP Fast, and RMGIC, Fuji II LC. Statistically significant Correlation coefficient between concentrations of fluoride ion released and cytotoxic response of NIH3T3 cell line after 24 hours is defined for RMGIC Fuji II LC only.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of conventional self-cured glass ionomer cement, silver glass ionomer cement and light-cured glass ionomer cement as retrofilling materials. Micro-leakage was assessed by introducing the samples into a 1 per cent solution of methylene blue for eight days at a constant temperature of 37 degrees C. Dye penetration was greater when silver glass ionomer cement was used in comparison to the other two materials tested; the difference was statistically significant. Conversely, the sealing ability of light-cured glass ionomer cement was significantly higher than that of conventional glass ionomer cement. The condition of the dentine-filling material interface and the marginal adaptation of the glass ionomer cements under study were assessed using scanning electron microscopy.

The authors used ESPE's Ketac silver "cermet" in deciduous molars. They advise to use it only in deciduous teeth because of its low wearing quality and britleness.

This study compared the in vitro shear bond strength of an autopolymerizing composite resin system (CR) (Ti-Core) with two third-generation dentinal bonding agents (DBA) (Tenure and Scotchbond 2) to glass ionomer cements (GIC) (Ketac-Silver, GC Miracle Mix, and Ketac-Cem). The experiment was divided in five groups. The shear bond strengths were evaluated on a universal testing apparatus at three different intervals; 15 minutes, 24 hours, and 7 days. Statistically, (twoway analysis of variance), the shear bond strengths from the greatest to least were: Ti-Core CR with Tenure DBA > Ti-Core CR with Scotchbond 2 DBA > Ketac-Silver GIC, GC Miracle Mix GIC > Ketac-Cem GIC. There were no differences in shear bond strengths according to time, and no interactions between groups and time. The shear bond strengths for Tenure DBA with Ti-Core CR were two and a half to three times greater than the silver-filled glass ionomers, KetacSilver GIC and GC Miracle Mix GIC. Tenure DBA with Ti-Core CR also had consistently greater shear bond strengths than Scotchbond 2 DBA with Ti-Core CR, and this trend is in agreement with similar research.

This laboratory study investigated the use of various glass ionomer cements for retrograde root filling from the point of view of sealing qualities, ion release and ease of application. The sealing qualities of the material were tested by dye penetration and microscopic and SEM examination. Fluoride and silver ion release tests showed an initial loss of these two ions from the glass ionomer cement. A modified system for mixing and application was developed. Dye penetration did not differ from that of controls using vertically condensed gutta-percha. Glass ionomer cement is possibly a clinical alternative for the sealing of retrograde cavities; however, the silver-reinforced materials may cause tissue irritation from release of silver ions and their corrosion products.

In post-core applications, addition to the cast designs restorations that are performed on fabrication posts with restorative materials are being used. To improve the physical properties of glass-ionomer cements that are popular today, glass-cermet cements have been introduced and those materials have been proposed to be an alternative restorative material in post-core applications. In this study, the compressive resistance of Ketac-Silver as a core material was investigated comparatively with amalgam and composite resins.