Comparative evaluation of a bioactive restorative material with resin modified glass ionomer for calcium-ion release and shear bond strength to dentin of primary teeth-an in vitro study

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the release of calcium ions from a bioactive restorative material and its shear bond strength (SBS) to primary dentin. STUDY DESIGN: Occlusal surface of extracted non-carious primary molars were flattened, onto which 2 × 2 mm cylinders of ACTIVA™ BioActive Restorative (PULPDENT® Corporation, Watertown MA) or Fuji II LC (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) were prepared using a polypropylene straw mould. SBS of the materials to primary dentin was tested using a universal testing machine. The mode of bond failure was assessed using stereomicroscopy. 10 mm × 2 mm disks of each material were prepared and immersed in Milli-Q water for 1, 7, 14 and 21 days. The released calcium ions in the immersion media were quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. RESULTS: ACTIVA™ BioActive Restorative showed a mean SBS of 4.29 ± 0.65 MPa to primary dentin and calcium ion release of 0.76 ± 0.12 ppm over 21 days. CONCLUSION: ACTIVA™ BioActive Restorative showed a significantly higher mean SBS to primary dentin, and significantly higher calcium ion release compared to Fuji II LC.