The Microleakage of Polycarboxylate, Glass Ionomer and Zinc Phosphate Cements for Stainless Steel Crowns of Pulpotomized Primary Molars

Background: Microleakage in Stainless Steel Crowns (SSC) margins leads to seepage of oral fluids and bacteria and it is one of the reasons for treatments failures. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of zinc phosphate, glass Ionomer and polycarboxylate cements on microleakage of stainless steel crowns for primary pulpotomized molar teeth. Materials and Methods: In this experimental in vitro study, 60 extracted primary molar teeth were randomly divided in to three groups (n=20). Stainless steel crowns were fitted for each tooth after pulpotomy procedures. Crowns were luted with a zinc phosphate, glass ionomer or polycarboxylate cement. All specimens were stored in 100% humidity at 37o C for 1 hour and termocycled 500 times (5?C to 55?C) with a 30 seconds dwell time and then immersed in 0.5% basic fuschin solution for 24 hours. The specimens were sectioned buccolingually and each section was evaluated for microleakage under a stereomicroscope. Results: In zinc phosphate group 45% of spicemens and in glass ionomer group there was 5% of spicemens showed leakage extending on to occlusal aspect and in polycarboxylate group none of the spicemens had this situation. According to the kruskal wallis test in all groups there were significant differences in microleakage (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of zinc phosphate cement resulted in the highest percentage of microleakage. The microleakage of SSCs cemented with polycarboxylate and glass ionomer were similar.